Punchestown Race 3 - Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle
SOIR DE GARDE (5) represents top connections. Can improve further after a 3600m hurdle runner-up effort on deep ground at Leopardstown prior to a last flight fall over 3200m at Cork three weeks ago. Respect as set to make amends. RISKAWAY (4) brings more experience following a fair fourth in the 4400m G1 Golden Cygnet Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown before a down field result attempting the 4200m G1 Baring Bingham Novices Hurdle (4224m) at the Cheltenham Festival. Expected to bounce back. BUNTING (1) might feature after a ninth of twenty four contesting a 4200m Premier Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Warrants a market check. BEGORRA MAN (6) enhanced a promising profile when 2.75L second in a 3200m Navan maiden hurdle. Holds claims.

Jockey: Danny Mullins
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Freshened for 49 days. Last run finished ninth of 24 starters at Cheltenham on March 11 over 4224m, 15 len behind Jingko Blue carrying 69kg at $15. Run before finished ninth of 19 runners at Leopardstown in the LR on February 1 over 3218m, on heavy track; 19 len behind Bowensonfire carrying 69.5kg at $8.50. Fought on last time. Cannot be left out in this more suitable contest.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/24 | 11/03/2026 | 38 | HDLE HCP 4U | $199,640.00 | Cheltenham | 4224m | Good Soft | Harry Cobden | 69kg | 5:03.07 | - | 0 |
| 15.3L | $15.00 |
| 9/19 | 01/02/2026 | 34 | LR OPEN 4U | $275,930.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Heavy | Harry Cobden | 69.5kg | 4:08.50 | - | 0 |
| 19.0L | $8.50 |
| 4/16 | 29/12/2025 | 79 | LR OPEN 4U | $189,900.00 | Leopardstown | 4123m | GY | Sean O'keeffe | 71kg | 5:11.10 | - | 0 |
| 4.3L | $9.50 |
| 3/19 | 11/10/2025 | 28 | HCP 3U | $322,880.00 | Newmarket (Rowley) | 3621m | Good Firm | William Buick | 57.5kg | 3:47.95 | 5-3-3 | 9 |
| 3.5L | $6.00 |
| 5/17 | 13/09/2025 | 43 | HCP 3U | $260,150.00 | Leopardstown | 2615m | GY | Ben Coen | 58.5kg | 2:45.56 | - | 19 |
| 2.0L | $26.00 |
| 4/7 | 01/08/2025 | 97 | 4U | $32,080.00 | Galway | 2816m | Y | Dylan Browne Mcmonagle | 59.5kg | 3:10.00 | 4-4-4 | 8 |
| 10.8L | $5.50 |
| 10/10 | 26/04/2025 | 14 | HCP HDLE 4U | $63,520.00 | Sandown Park Uk | 4023m | Good | P Townend | 76kg | 4:52.97 | 7-6-10 | 0 |
| 20.8L | $5.50 |
| 6/12 | 12/04/2025 | 31 | G2 HCP HDLE 4U | $184,500.00 | Ayr | 3218m | Good Soft | Danny Mullins | 73kg | 3:51.72 | 9-8-6 | 0 |
| 4.3L | $10.00 |
| 99/26 | 12/03/2025 | 56 | HCP HDLE 4U | $202,950.00 | Cheltenham | 4224m | Good Soft | P Townend | 70kg | 5:11.98 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $13.00 |
| 2/5 | 15/01/2025 | 246 | HDLE 5U | $19,940.00 | Clonmel | 3419m | Soft | P Townend | 75.5kg | 4:33.09 | 2-3-2 | 0 |
| 0.8L | $1.83 |
| 3/4 | 14/05/2024 | 10 | 4U | $25,180.00 | Killarney | 2816m | Soft | Colin Keane | 62.5kg | 3:30.72 | - | 2 |
| 8.8L | $2.00 |

Jockey: Jack Gilligan
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a break; having raced just once last campaign pulled up at Naas on February 22 over 3118m. When resuming last campaign finished 16th of 21 runners at Naas on January 5 2025 over 3218m, in the wet; 125 len behind Joystick with 75.5kg at $201. Needs more in this company.
Last Starts 65 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99/16 | 22/02/2026 | 306 | HDLE HCP 4U | $29,430.00 | Naas | 3118m | Heavy | Keith Donoghue | 74.5kg | 4:11.00 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $34.00 |
| 8/16 | 22/04/2025 | 31 | LR OPEN 4U | $194,220.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | YS | Jack G Gilligan | 69kg | 3:58.80 | - | 0 |
| 9.8L | $13.00 |
| 1/18 | 22/03/2025 | 20 | MHDLE 5U | $20,810.00 | Navan | 3218m | Soft | Jack G Gilligan | 73kg | 4:09.70 | - | 0 |
| 14.0L | $10.00 |
| 4/18 | 02/03/2025 | 56 | MHDLE 5U | $22,550.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Y | Jack G Gilligan | 74.5kg | 4:03.01 | - | 0 |
| 1.8L | $67.00 |
| 16/21 | 05/01/2025 | 327 | MHDLE 5U | $26,010.00 | Naas | 3218m | Heavy | Sean O'keeffe | 75.5kg | 4:18.40 | - | 0 |
| 125.3L | $201.00 |
| 6/11 | 13/02/2024 | 48 | FLAT 5U | $18,210.00 | Thurles | 3118m | SH | D Allen | 76kg | 4:09.00 | - | 0 |
| 21.5L | $34.00 |
| 3/6 | 27/12/2023 | 311 | FLAT 4U | $18,210.00 | Limerick | 3218m | Heavy | J C Barry | 75kg | 5:01.90 | - | 0 |
| 11.8L | $67.00 |
| 13/13 | 19/02/2023 | 14 | FLAT 5U | $15,410.00 | Punchestown | 3219m | Y | R L Mccrory | 73kg | 4:07.40 | - | 0 |
| 135.3L | $251.00 |
| 99/9 | 05/02/2023 | 56 | P2P MDN G 6U | $0.00 | Bellharbour P2p | 4828m | Good | B Lawless | 61kg | - | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $1.00 |
| 99/10 | 11/12/2022 | - | P2P MDN G 5 | $0.00 | Borris House P2p | 4828m | Y | Tony Hamilton | 61kg | - | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $1.00 |

Jockey: Darragh O'Keeffe
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a three months break. Finished off last preparation 9 of 12 runners at Leopardstown in the G1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle February 1 over 3218m, in the wet; 22 len behind Talk The Talk carrying 75.5kg at $41. Previous preparation first-up won by 1.75 len Listowel September 25 over 3218m defeating Saint Clovis carrying 74.5kg at $3.80. Prepared to look elsewhere.
Last Starts 86 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/12 | 01/02/2026 | 36 | G1 OPEN 5U | $275,930.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Heavy | D J O'keeffe | 75.5kg | 4:18.00 | - | 0 |
| 22.5L | $41.00 |
| 6/8 | 27/12/2025 | 55 | G1 OPEN 4U | $189,900.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Y | D J O'keeffe | 75.5kg | 3:54.60 | - | 0 |
| 23.3L | $17.00 |
| 1/14 | 02/11/2025 | 38 | MHDLE 4 | $20,810.00 | Cork | 3218m | Y | D J O'keeffe | 73kg | 3:54.70 | - | 0 |
| 2.8L | $1.36 |
| 1/18 | 25/09/2025 | 159 | FLAT 4 | $20,810.00 | Listowel | 3218m | GY | J L Gleeson | 74.5kg | 4:01.00 | - | 0 |
| 1.8L | $3.75 |
| 1/11 | 19/04/2025 | - | P2P MDN G 4 | $0.00 | Loughanmore P2p | 4828m | Good | J L Scallan | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 4.5L | $1.00 |

Jockey: Jack Kennedy
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Freshened for 49 days. Last start finished 17th of 21 runners at Cheltenham in the G1 Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle on March 11 over 4224m, 35 len behind King Rasko Grey with 73kg at $51. Start before finished fourth of 8 runners at Leopardstown in the G1 Golden Cygnet Novice Hurdle on February 2 over 4425m, on heavy track; 14 len behind Doctor Steinberg carrying 74.5kg at $7.50. Expected to bounce back and makes appeal.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17/21 | 11/03/2026 | 37 | G1 OPEN 4U | $272,240.00 | Cheltenham | 4224m | Good Soft | Sam Ewing | 73kg | 5:03.54 | - | 0 |
| 35.8L | $51.00 |
| 4/8 | 02/02/2026 | 37 | G1 OPEN 5U | $275,930.00 | Leopardstown | 4425m | Heavy | Danny Gilligan | 74.5kg | 5:59.90 | - | 0 |
| 14.5L | $7.50 |
| 2/4 | 27/12/2025 | 30 | HDLE 4U | $24,820.00 | Limerick | 4023m | Heavy | Jordan Gainford | 73kg | 5:40.40 | - | 0 |
| 6.0L | $1.83 |
| 1/16 | 27/11/2025 | 31 | MHDLE 4U | $18,910.00 | Thurles | 4023m | GY | Jack Kennedy | 75.5kg | 5:04.40 | - | 0 |
| 11.0L | $1.83 |
| 2/7 | 27/10/2025 | 178 | FLAT 5U | $17,340.00 | Wexford | 3319m | Y | Harry Swan | 76kg | 4:11.80 | - | 0 |
| 0.1L | $1.91 |
| 4/22 | 02/05/2025 | 57 | FLAT 57 | $26,010.00 | Punchestown | 3822m | Y | Harry Swan | 76kg | 4:35.20 | - | 0 |
| 6.5L | $13.00 |
| 2/18 | 06/03/2025 | 88 | FLAT 5U | $17,340.00 | Thurles | 3118m | Good | Harry Swan | 76kg | 3:50.80 | - | 0 |
| 1.5L | $5.50 |
| 2/13 | 08/12/2024 | 35 | P2P MDN G 4 | $0.00 | Tattersalls P2p | 4828m | Soft | J L Scallan | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 1.5L | $1.00 |
| 3/8 | 03/11/2024 | 203 | P2P MDN 4 | $0.00 | Damma House P2p | 4828m | Good | J L Scallan | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 23.0L | $1.00 |
| 4/12 | 14/04/2024 | - | P2P MDN G 4 | $0.00 | Dromahane P2p | 4828m | Heavy | J L Scallan | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 5.3L | $1.00 |

Jockey: Paul Townend
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. First-up finished second in a small field at Leopardstown on March 2 over 3721m, 21 len behind El Fabiolo carrying 73kg at $17. Second run from a spell didn't finish the race at Cork on April 5 over 3319m. Found best form now. Recent run worth forgiving.
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 | 34 | HDLE 4U | $32,330.00 | Cork | 3319m | Y | John Shinnick | 73kg | 4:06.90 | - | 0 |
| 0.0L | $8.50 |
| 2/5 | 02/03/2026 | 323 | HDLE 5U | $30,720.00 | Leopardstown | 3721m | SH | D J Mullins | 73kg | 4:54.90 | - | 0 |
| 21.0L | $17.00 |
| 1/9 | 13/04/2025 | 106 | MHDLE 5U | $17,340.00 | Tramore | 3319m | Y | J Townend | 71.5kg | 4:07.20 | - | 0 |
| 10.0L | $1.40 |
| 3/5 | 28/12/2024 | 34 | FLAT 4U | $20,590.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Y | P W Mullins | 76kg | 3:58.70 | - | 0 |
| 3.5L | $2.63 |
| 2/9 | 24/11/2024 | - | FLAT 4U | $18,210.00 | Punchestown | 3419m | Soft | P W Mullins | 76kg | 4:09.90 | - | 0 |
| 15.0L | $3.50 |

Jockey: Keith Donoghue
Weight: 72.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. First-up finished second in a small field at this track on February 15 over 3218m, on heavy track; 4.5 len behind Soul Asylum carrying 76kg at $5. Second run from a spell finished second of 23 starters at Navan on March 21 over 3218m, on slow going 2.75 len behind Kilgame with 75.5kg at $2.90. Can return to winning form.
Last Starts 38 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/23 | 21/03/2026 | 34 | MHDLE 4U | $20,680.00 | Navan | 3218m | Soft | Keith Donoghue | 75.5kg | 4:14.50 | - | 0 |
| 2.8L | $2.88 |
| 2/4 | 15/02/2026 | 360 | FLAT 4U | $17,630.00 | Punchestown | 3218m | Heavy | D G Lavery | 76kg | 4:17.70 | - | 0 |
| 4.5L | $5.00 |
| 2/10 | 20/02/2025 | 56 | FLAT 5U | $17,340.00 | Punchestown | 3218m | Soft | D G Lavery | 76kg | 4:13.60 | - | 0 |
| 4.3L | $3.25 |
| 5/23 | 26/12/2024 | - | MHDLE 4 | $26,010.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Y | Keith Donoghue | 73kg | 3:52.08 | - | 0 |
| 13.3L | $67.00 |

Jockey: Kevin Healy
Weight: 72.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes off a 53 day let-up. Last run finished seventh of 13 starters at Gowran Park on March 7 over 3218m, on a wet track; 20 len behind Jigoro carrying 65kg at $4.30. Before that finished fifth of 10 starters at Dundalk All Weather on February 13 over 2414m, 4 len behind Palmezzano carrying 62kg at $21. Has ability but needs to do more.
Last Starts 52 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/13 | 07/03/2026 | 22 | STPLE HCP 5U | $79,600.00 | Gowran Park | 3218m | Heavy | Kevin Healy | 65kg | 4:28.50 | - | 0 |
| 20.0L | $4.33 |
| 5/10 | 13/02/2026 | 11 | MDN 4U | $20,240.00 | Dundalk | 2414m | Neutral | Donagh O'connor | 62kg | 2:35.13 | - | 5 |
| 4.0L | $21.00 |
| 8/14 | 02/02/2026 | 30 | LR OPEN 5U | $183,950.00 | Leopardstown | 3419m | Soft | Jordan Gainford | 63.5kg | 4:30.60 | - | 0 |
| 13.5L | $11.00 |
| 1/6 | 03/01/2026 | 14 | STPLE HCP 5U | $32,040.00 | Cork | 4023m | YS | Kevin Healy | 66kg | 5:07.20 | - | 0 |
| 4.0L | $4.50 |
| 99/14 | 20/12/2025 | 48 | STPLE HCP 4U | $35,130.00 | Thurles | 4325m | Y | Kevin Healy | 69kg | 5:39.40 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $6.00 |
| 3/9 | 02/11/2025 | 28 | P2P | $0.00 | Damma House P2p | 4828m | Y | Kevin Healy | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 1.3L | $1.00 |
| 99/14 | 05/10/2025 | 185 | P2P | $0.00 | Castletown P2p | 4828m | Y | Kevin Healy | 61kg | - | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $1.00 |
| 7/29 | 03/04/2025 | 17 | CHSE 6U | $92,250.00 | Aintree | 4241m | Good Soft | Kevin Healy | 76kg | 5:30.29 | 4-6-7 | 0 |
| 17.3L | $6.50 |
| 1/8 | 17/03/2025 | 51 | CHSE 5U | $17,340.00 | Down Royal | 3922m | Good | Kevin Healy | 73kg | 4:52.00 | - | 0 |
| 2.0L | $3.25 |
| 3/8 | 25/01/2025 | 10 | P2P | $0.00 | Tyrella P2p | 4828m | Good | Kevin Healy | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 1.5L | $1.00 |
| 1/14 | 15/01/2025 | 38 | MCHSE 5U | $17,340.00 | Clonmel | 4023m | YS | Kevin Healy | 73kg | 5:37.01 | - | 0 |
| 3.3L | $5.50 |

Jockey: Cian Quirke
Weight: 72.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing second-up today. Fresh up after two months finished third of 12 runners at Wexford on April 10 over 4023m, 52 len behind Le Moulin Rouge with 75.5kg at $11. Previously second-up finished fourth of 11 starters at Leopardstown on December 28 over 3218m, 10 len behind Bentraghhill carrying 73kg at $8.50. Tougher task this time.
Last Starts 18 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/12 | 10/04/2026 | 64 | MHDLE 4U | $20,680.00 | Wexford | 4023m | GY | Cian Quirke | 75.5kg | 5:27.50 | - | 0 |
| 52.0L | $11.00 |
| 6/12 | 05/02/2026 | 39 | FLAT 4U | $19,320.00 | Thurles | 3218m | Soft | J W Hendrick | 76kg | 4:25.70 | - | 0 |
| 32.8L | $11.00 |
| 4/11 | 28/12/2025 | 62 | FLAT 4U | $22,790.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | GY | Alan O'sullivan | 73kg | 4:07.70 | - | 0 |
| 10.8L | $8.50 |
| 4/7 | 27/10/2025 | - | FLAT 5U | $17,340.00 | Wexford | 3319m | Y | J H Williamson | 74kg | 4:11.80 | - | 0 |
| 11.8L | $26.00 |

Jockey: Phillip Enright
Weight: 71.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing second-up today. Freshened for 53 days. Fresh up after two months won by 0.5 len Gowran Park on March 7 over 3218m in the wet defeating Bulgaden Castle with 71kg at $6 in a hurdle. Previously second-up finished fourth of 11 starters at Cork on December 7 over 3419m, 10 len behind Glen To Glen with 70kg at $23. Key runner.
Last Starts 52 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/18 | 07/03/2026 | 66 | MHDLE 45 | $20,680.00 | Gowran Park | 3218m | Heavy | Philip Enright | 71kg | 4:24.70 | - | 0 |
| 0.5L | $6.00 |
| 2/13 | 31/12/2025 | 24 | MHDLE 3 | $22,790.00 | Punchestown | 3319m | Y | Philip Enright | 70kg | 4:13.90 | - | 0 |
| 3.0L | $15.00 |
| 4/11 | 07/12/2025 | 21 | MHDLE 3 | $21,680.00 | Cork | 3419m | SH | Philip Enright | 70kg | 4:46.90 | - | 0 |
| 10.0L | $23.00 |
| 7/12 | 16/11/2025 | 170 | MHDLE 3 | $28,370.00 | Navan | 3218m | Heavy | Philip Enright | 70kg | 4:19.00 | - | 0 |
| 21.3L | $21.00 |
| 5/13 | 30/05/2025 | 34 | MDN 3 | $20,810.00 | Down Royal | 2112m | Good | Joseph Sheridan | 61kg | 2:14.76 | - | 5 |
| 5.0L | $5.00 |
| 9/20 | 26/04/2025 | 190 | SELL MDN 3 | $43,360.00 | Navan | 2011m | Soft | Seamie Heffernan | 61kg | 2:12.85 | - | 7 |
| 17.0L | $34.00 |
| 3/6 | 18/10/2024 | 38 | NOV 2 | $18,150.00 | Haydock Park | 1609m | Heavy | Sean Dylan Bowen | 57.5kg | 1:54.26 | 4-4-4-3-3-3-3-3 | 3 |
| 2.0L | $4.50 |
| 2/10 | 10/09/2024 | - | MDN 2 | $31,220.00 | Galway | 1709m | Y | G F Carroll | 60.5kg | 1:48.00 | - | 7 |
| 12.0L | $13.00 |

Jockey: Donagh Meyler
Weight: 71.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Freshened for 50 days. Last run finished fifth of 22 starters at Cheltenham on March 10 over 3319m, 8 len behind Saratoga with 71.5kg at $26. Before that finished third of 8 runners at Fairyhouse on January 14 over 3218m, 9 len behind Proactif carrying 72kg at $8.50. Must be a 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/22 | 10/03/2026 | 55 | JHDLE HCP 4 | $145,200.00 | Cheltenham | 3319m | Good Soft | Donagh Meyler | 71.5kg | 3:56.83 | 8-7-7-6-4-4-5 | 0 |
| 8.3L | $26.00 |
| 3/8 | 14/01/2026 | 19 | HDLE 4 | $32,150.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | Y | Donagh Meyler | 72kg | 4:01.20 | - | 0 |
| 9.3L | $8.50 |
| 6/10 | 26/12/2025 | 34 | G2 OPEN 3 | $85,460.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Y | Daniel King | 69.5kg | 3:52.50 | - | 0 |
| 16.8L | $12.00 |
| 1/13 | 22/11/2025 | 41 | MHDLE 3 | $22,700.00 | Punchestown | 3319m | SH | Donagh Meyler | 70kg | 4:22.60 | - | 0 |
| 1.0L | $2.20 |
| 1/15 | 12/10/2025 | - | HDLE 3 | $21,100.00 | Cork | 3520m | Good | Donagh Meyler | 70kg | 4:17.00 | - | 0 |
| 5.5L | $8.50 |