Punchestown Race 4 - PRL Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)
The speedy EL CAIROS (3) is worth giving another chance after failing to back up his earlier top class effort when fifth in the G1 Supreme Novices Hurdle. Finds a suitable race for him to bounce back. Leading contender. SKYLIGHT HUSTLE (7) was still in contention before falling at Cheltenham. Looms as a serious contender if avoiding mistakes. LE LABO (6) arrives in strong form following a G3 success at Naas and he commands respect. Warrants serious consideration. KOKTAIL BRUT (5) impressed when landing the G2 Donohue Marquees Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse last time and has the talent to take this out.

Jockey: Donagh Meyler
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last run didn't finish the race at Fairyhouse in the G2 Donohue Marquees Juvenile Hurdle on April 5 over 3218m. Before that finished second in a small field at Naas in the G3 Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle on March 8 over 3319m, a neck behind Le Labo carrying 70.5kg at $2.10. Looking elsewhere.
Last Starts 23 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99/7 | 05/04/2026 | 28 | G2 OPEN 4U | $104,540.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | YS | Donagh Meyler | 71.5kg | 4:16.20 | - | 0 |
| 0.0L | $5.00 |
| 2/5 | 08/03/2026 | 35 | G3 OPEN 4U | $73,580.00 | Naas | 3319m | SH | Sam Ewing | 70.5kg | 4:21.50 | - | 0 |
| 0.3L | $2.10 |
| 5/12 | 01/02/2026 | 63 | G1 OPEN 5U | $275,930.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Heavy | Donagh Meyler | 75.5kg | 4:18.00 | - | 0 |
| 8.5L | $19.00 |
| 2/8 | 30/11/2025 | 29 | G2 OPEN 4U | $160,770.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | YS | Donagh Meyler | 71.5kg | 4:00.50 | - | 0 |
| 0.2L | $9.00 |
| 1/12 | 01/11/2025 | 13 | MHDLE 4U | $17,340.00 | Down Royal | 3419m | Y | Donagh Meyler | 75.5kg | 4:22.50 | - | 0 |
| 4.8L | $3.13 |
| 1/16 | 19/10/2025 | 213 | HCP 3U | $86,330.00 | Leopardstown | 2414m | Heavy | Chris Hayes | 60.5kg | 2:47.17 | - | 8 |
| 0.0L | $17.00 |
| 2/19 | 20/03/2025 | 160 | MHDLE 4 | $20,810.00 | Cork | 3319m | Good | Donagh Meyler | 73kg | 4:07.10 | - | 0 |
| 6.5L | $3.75 |
| 6/15 | 11/10/2024 | 29 | HCP 3 | $181,490.00 | Newmarket (Rowley) | 2414m | Good Soft | Ryan Kavanagh | 53.5kg | 2:32.81 | 15-4-6 | 13 |
| 11.8L | $21.00 |
| 5/10 | 12/09/2024 | 68 | HCP 3 | $127,050.00 | Doncaster | 2011m | Good Soft | Billy Loughnane | 58kg | 2:11.45 | 4-3-5 | 1 |
| 1.8L | $7.50 |
| 1/8 | 06/07/2024 | 35 | HCP 3 | $36,300.00 | Sandown Park Uk | 2011m | Soft | Billy Loughnane | 61kg | 2:10.98 | 4-1-1 | 11 |
| 1.8L | $4.00 |
| 4/12 | 01/06/2024 | 9 | HCP 3 | $136,120.00 | Epsom Downs | 2011m | Good Soft | Rhys Clutterbuck | 55.5kg | 2:11.15 | - | 9 |
| 5.3L | $15.00 |

Jockey: Sean Flanagan
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Freshened for 49 days. Last outing finished tenth of 11 starters at Cheltenham in the G1 Supreme Novices Hurdle on March 10 over 3319m, 22 len behind Old Park Star carrying 73kg at $41. The run to post a big 9 len win. Thurles on January 18 over 3218m defeating Fiver Friday carrying 74.5kg at $3.30 in a hurdle. Worth another chance.
Last Starts 49 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/11 | 10/03/2026 | 51 | G1 OPEN 4U | $272,240.00 | Cheltenham | 3319m | Good Soft | Sean Flanagan | 73kg | 3:51.36 | - | 0 |
| 22.5L | $41.00 |
| 1/13 | 18/01/2026 | 49 | HDLE HCP 4U | $30,260.00 | Thurles | 3218m | Y | Sean Flanagan | 74.5kg | 4:05.20 | - | 0 |
| 9.0L | $3.25 |
| 5/8 | 30/11/2025 | 36 | G2 OPEN 4U | $160,770.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | YS | Sean Flanagan | 71.5kg | 4:00.50 | - | 0 |
| 20.5L | $8.50 |
| 1/15 | 25/10/2025 | 245 | MHDLE 5U | $21,680.00 | Galway | 3319m | Y | Sean Flanagan | 75.5kg | 4:02.70 | - | 0 |
| 3.0L | $2.50 |
| 2/10 | 22/02/2025 | 35 | FLAT 5U | $17,340.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | Soft | Finian Maguire | 76kg | 4:05.80 | - | 0 |
| 7.5L | $5.50 |
| 2/8 | 18/01/2025 | - | FLAT 4U | $17,340.00 | Navan | 3218m | Soft | Finian Maguire | 76kg | 4:08.50 | - | 0 |
| 0.5L | $2.50 |

Jockey: Jack Kennedy
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Freshened for 49 days. Last start finished fifth of 11 runners at Cheltenham in the G1 Supreme Novices Hurdle on March 10 over 3319m, 9 len behind Old Park Star with 73kg at $8.50. The start before that; won by 3 len Thurles on January 29 over 3218m on heavy going defeating Roc Dino carrying 75.5kg at $1.20 in a hurdle. Rates highly.
Last Starts 49 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/11 | 10/03/2026 | 40 | G1 OPEN 4U | $272,240.00 | Cheltenham | 3319m | Good Soft | Jack Kennedy | 73kg | 3:51.36 | - | 0 |
| 9.0L | $8.50 |
| 1/18 | 29/01/2026 | 34 | MHDLE 5U | $18,910.00 | Thurles | 3218m | Heavy | Jack Kennedy | 75.5kg | 4:23.40 | - | 0 |
| 3.0L | $1.20 |
| 99/22 | 26/12/2025 | 239 | MHDLE 5U | $28,490.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Y | Jack Kennedy | 75.5kg | 3:56.40 | - | 0 |
| 0.0L | $1.53 |
| 2/12 | 01/05/2025 | 50 | FLAT 47 | $30,350.00 | Punchestown | 3319m | Y | David Maxwell | 76kg | 4:05.30 | - | 0 |
| 1.5L | $5.50 |
| 5/17 | 12/03/2025 | 125 | G1 OPEN 46 | $147,600.00 | Cheltenham | 3298m | Good Soft | David Maxwell | 73kg | 3:59.54 | 12-7-5 | 0 |
| 5.0L | $29.00 |
| 1/6 | 07/11/2024 | 201 | HUNT FLAT 45 | $12,700.00 | Newbury | 3319m | Good | David Maxwell | 69.5kg | 4:09.10 | 5-2-1 | 0 |
| 6.5L | $4.20 |
| 1/9 | 20/04/2024 | - | P2P MDN G 4 | $0.00 | Curraghmore P2p | 4828m | Y | S Staples | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 0.3L | $1.00 |

Jockey: Brian Hayes
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. Resuming ran last in a small field at this track in the G2 Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle on January 11 over 3319m, 6 len behind Sober carrying 71.5kg at $5.50. Second-up finished 14th of 21 runners at Cheltenham in the G1 Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle on March 11 over 4224m, 22 len behind King Rasko Grey with 73kg at $101. Hard to have on recent efforts.
Last Starts 48 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14/21 | 11/03/2026 | 59 | G1 OPEN 4U | $272,240.00 | Cheltenham | 4224m | Good Soft | Mark Walsh | 73kg | 5:03.54 | - | 0 |
| 22.3L | $101.00 |
| 3/3 | 11/01/2026 | 221 | G2 OPEN 5U | $60,190.00 | Punchestown | 3319m | SH | D J Mullins | 71.5kg | 4:26.50 | - | 0 |
| 6.0L | $5.50 |
| 1/10 | 04/06/2025 | 223 | HDLE CL3 CF 4 | $65,140.00 | Dieppe | 3400m | Soft | Leo-Paul Brechet | 71kg | 3:55.80 | 3-1-1 | 0 |
| 0.2L | $6.10 |
| 2/13 | 24/10/2024 | - | HDLE UNR CG 3 | $100,160.00 | Auteuil | 3600m | SH | Bertrand Lestrade | 67kg | 4:25.86 | 3-1-2 | 0 |
| 7.5L | $22.00 |

Jockey: Danny Gilligan
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start won by 9 len Fairyhouse in a G2 Donohue Marquees Juvenile Hurdle on April 5 over 3218m defeating Ebony King carrying 74.5kg at $7.50 in a jumps. Start before finished eighth of 11 runners at Cheltenham in the G1 Supreme Novices Hurdle on March 10 over 3319m, 13 len behind Old Park Star carrying 73kg at $34. Among the chances.
Last Starts 23 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/7 | 05/04/2026 | 26 | G2 OPEN 4U | $104,540.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | YS | Jack Kennedy | 74.5kg | 4:16.20 | - | 0 |
| 9.5L | $7.50 |
| 8/11 | 10/03/2026 | 37 | G1 OPEN 4U | $272,240.00 | Cheltenham | 3319m | Good Soft | Danny Gilligan | 73kg | 3:51.36 | - | 0 |
| 13.3L | $34.00 |
| 4/12 | 01/02/2026 | 36 | G1 OPEN 5U | $275,930.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Heavy | Danny Gilligan | 75.5kg | 4:18.00 | - | 0 |
| 6.5L | $12.00 |
| 7/8 | 27/12/2025 | 27 | G1 OPEN 4U | $189,900.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Y | Danny Gilligan | 75.5kg | 3:54.60 | - | 0 |
| 82.3L | $5.00 |
| 1/8 | 30/11/2025 | 17 | G2 OPEN 4U | $160,770.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | YS | Jack Kennedy | 71.5kg | 4:00.50 | - | 0 |
| 0.2L | $1.62 |
| 1/21 | 13/11/2025 | 196 | MHDLE 4U | $22,700.00 | Punchestown | 3218m | Heavy | Danny Gilligan | 75.5kg | 4:03.40 | - | 0 |
| 9.0L | $1.91 |
| 5/12 | 01/05/2025 | 26 | FLAT 47 | $30,350.00 | Punchestown | 3319m | Y | Harry Swan | 76kg | 4:05.30 | - | 0 |
| 10.0L | $10.00 |
| 3/15 | 05/04/2025 | 63 | G2 HUNT FLAT 46 | $100,590.00 | Aintree | 3419m | Good | H C Swan | 71.5kg | 3:59.40 | 5-3-3 | 0 |
| 7.0L | $6.50 |
| 4/9 | 01/02/2025 | 34 | G2 OPEN 47 | $173,430.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Soft | B D O'neill | 74.5kg | 4:05.30 | - | 0 |
| 2.0L | $15.00 |
| 4/5 | 29/12/2024 | 28 | FLAT 4U | $36,330.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | GY | Harry Swan | 76kg | 3:55.00 | - | 0 |
| 4.3L | $2.10 |
| 1/7 | 01/12/2024 | 231 | FLAT 4 | $17,340.00 | Fairyhouse | 3319m | Y | Harry Swan | 73kg | 4:02.50 | - | 0 |
| 7.0L | $2.88 |

Jockey: Mr J L Gleeson
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Having second run back today. Freshened for 51 days. First-up after three months came home strongly from last on the turn and won by a neck Naas in a G3 Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle on March 8 over 3319m defeating Blake carrying 70.5kg at $7 in a jumps. Previously second-up didn't finish the race at Cork on December 7 over 3419m. Can improve on first up performance. Key runner who is expected to feature again.
Last Starts 51 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/5 | 08/03/2026 | 91 | G3 OPEN 4U | $73,580.00 | Naas | 3319m | SH | J L Gleeson | 70.5kg | 4:21.50 | - | 0 |
| 0.3L | $7.00 |
| 99/19 | 07/12/2025 | 17 | MHDLE 4U | $21,680.00 | Cork | 3419m | SH | J L Gleeson | 75.5kg | 4:30.90 | - | 0 |
| 0.0L | $6.50 |
| 0/16 | 20/11/2025 | 229 | MHDLE 4U | $18,910.00 | Thurles | 3218m | YS | J L Gleeson | 75.5kg | 4:02.70 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $3.50 |
| 13/15 | 05/04/2025 | 30 | G2 HUNT FLAT 46 | $100,590.00 | Aintree | 3419m | Good | J L Gleeson | 71.5kg | 3:59.40 | 9-13-13 | 0 |
| 62.3L | $5.00 |
| 1/18 | 06/03/2025 | - | FLAT 5U | $17,340.00 | Thurles | 3118m | Good | J L Gleeson | 75kg | 3:50.80 | - | 0 |
| 1.5L | $5.00 |

Jockey: Sam Ewing
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up today. Freshened for 48 days. Fresh up after three months fell at Cheltenham in the G1 Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle on March 11 over 4224m. Previously to post a big 21 len win. Fairyhouse on November 29 over 3218m defeating Casterly Rock with 75.5kg at $1.80 in a hurdle. Forgive first-up failure. Recent run worth overlooking and holds big claims.
Last Starts 48 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0/21 | 11/03/2026 | 74 | G1 OPEN 4U | $272,240.00 | Cheltenham | 4224m | Good Soft | Danny Gilligan | 73kg | 5:03.54 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $9.00 |
| 1/8 | 27/12/2025 | 28 | G1 OPEN 4U | $189,900.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Y | Jack Kennedy | 75.5kg | 3:54.60 | - | 0 |
| 5.0L | $4.00 |
| 1/24 | 29/11/2025 | 21 | MHDLE 4U | $22,700.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | YS | Jack Kennedy | 75.5kg | 4:05.30 | - | 0 |
| 21.0L | $1.80 |
| 2/20 | 08/11/2025 | 301 | MHDLE 5U | $28,370.00 | Gowran Park | 3218m | Heavy | Jack Kennedy | 75.5kg | 4:21.90 | - | 0 |
| 2.3L | $2.75 |
| 4/9 | 11/01/2025 | 83 | FLAT 5U | $17,340.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | YS | Harry Swan | 76kg | 3:57.00 | - | 0 |
| 2.8L | $2.88 |
| 1/10 | 20/10/2024 | - | P2P MDN G 4 | $0.00 | Umma House P2p | 4828m | Good | B O'neill | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 3.0L | $1.00 |

Jockey: Paul Townend
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last outing pulled up at Fairyhouse in the G2 Donohue Marquees Juvenile Hurdle on April 5 over 3218m. The start before that; finished sixth of 11 starters at Cheltenham in the G1 Supreme Novices Hurdle on March 10 over 3319m, 11 len behind Old Park Star with 73kg at $51. Unlikely to threaten.
Last Starts 23 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0/7 | 05/04/2026 | 26 | G2 OPEN 4U | $104,540.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | YS | D J Mullins | 71.5kg | 4:16.20 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $7.00 |
| 6/11 | 10/03/2026 | 34 | G1 OPEN 4U | $272,240.00 | Cheltenham | 3319m | Good Soft | P Townend | 73kg | 3:51.36 | - | 0 |
| 11.3L | $51.00 |
| 1/15 | 04/02/2026 | 129 | MHDLE 4U | $20,810.00 | Punchestown | 3218m | SH | P Townend | 75.5kg | 4:19.10 | - | 0 |
| 2.5L | $2.25 |
| 24/30 | 28/09/2025 | 15 | HCP 3U | $1,103,310.00 | Curragh | 3419m | YS | Joseph Sheridan | 58kg | 3:46.43 | - | 13 |
| 22.5L | $15.00 |
| 3/17 | 13/09/2025 | 47 | HCP 3U | $260,150.00 | Leopardstown | 2615m | GY | Joseph Sheridan | 56.5kg | 2:45.56 | - | 14 |
| 2.0L | $9.50 |
| 12/20 | 28/07/2025 | 29 | HCP 4U | $190,770.00 | Galway | 3419m | Y | P W Mullins | 73.5kg | 3:51.50 | 19-18-12 | 20 |
| 12.5L | $4.50 |
| 2/25 | 29/06/2025 | 57 | HCP 4U | $86,720.00 | Curragh | 3218m | Good | William Buick | 58.5kg | 3:31.35 | 7-7-2 | 11 |
| 1.3L | $3.25 |
| 5/12 | 03/05/2025 | 50 | G1 OPEN 4 | $216,790.00 | Punchestown | 3218m | Y | Harry Cobden | 70kg | 3:49.60 | 5-6-5 | 0 |
| 29.8L | $11.00 |
| 7/17 | 14/03/2025 | 188 | G1 OPEN 4 | $269,470.00 | Cheltenham | 3419m | Good Soft | Harry Cobden | 71kg | 4:02.10 | 12-8-7 | 0 |
| 14.5L | $51.00 |
| 4/10 | 07/09/2024 | 14 | HCP 3 | $181,490.00 | Haydock Park | 2816m | Good | Jim Crowley | 60.5kg | 3:04.54 | - | 3 |
| 3.0L | $7.00 |
| 8/16 | 24/08/2024 | 49 | HCP 3 | $308,540.00 | York | 2816m | Good Firm | Jim Crowley | 56kg | 2:57.85 | 6-6-8 | 6 |
| 9.3L | $8.50 |