Punchestown Race 6 - Barberstown Castle Novice Chase (Grade 1)

Jockey: Kieren Buckley
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up today. Freshened for 50 days. Fresh up after three months finished sixth of 10 runners at Cheltenham in the G1 Queen Mother Champion Chase on March 11 over 3218m, 23 len behind Il Etait Temps with 74.5kg at $17. Previously second-up won by 8 len Naas on November 9 over 3218m on rain affected going defeating Jacob's Ladder carrying 75.5kg at $6 in a steeplechase. Useful type, definite improver.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/10 | 11/03/2026 | 75 | G1 OPEN 5U | $725,980.00 | Cheltenham | 3218m | Good Soft | Kieren Buckley | 74.5kg | 3:51.84 | - | 0 |
| 23.5L | $17.00 |
| 2/9 | 26/12/2025 | 47 | G1 OPEN 4U | $189,900.00 | Leopardstown | 3419m | Y | Kieren Buckley | 75.5kg | 4:05.60 | - | 0 |
| 0.5L | $13.00 |
| 1/16 | 09/11/2025 | 17 | CHSE 4U | $23,640.00 | Naas | 3218m | Soft | Kieren Buckley | 75.5kg | 4:06.30 | - | 0 |
| 8.0L | $6.00 |
| 1/7 | 23/10/2025 | 177 | MHDLE 5U | $19,180.00 | Clonmel | 3419m | Y | Cian Cullinan | 72kg | 4:06.80 | - | 0 |
| 31.0L | $1.22 |
| 3/17 | 29/04/2025 | 46 | LR OPEN 4U | $86,720.00 | Punchestown | 3319m | Y | Cian Cullinan | 62kg | 4:02.80 | - | 0 |
| 2.3L | $10.00 |
| 10/16 | 14/03/2025 | 40 | HCP HDLE 5U | $197,610.00 | Cheltenham | 3419m | Good Soft | Cian Cullinan | 62kg | 4:05.57 | 14-9-10 | 0 |
| 7.0L | $13.00 |
| 3/18 | 02/02/2025 | 38 | LR OPEN 4U | $260,150.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Soft | C Cullinan | 61kg | 4:02.60 | - | 0 |
| 1.3L | $12.00 |
| 3/19 | 26/12/2024 | 90 | NHDLE HCP 4U | $34,690.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Y | Kieren Buckley | 73kg | 3:55.09 | - | 0 |
| 5.5L | $17.00 |
| 8/16 | 27/09/2024 | 138 | MHDLE 5U | $23,410.00 | Listowel | 3621m | Soft | J J Slevin | 75.5kg | 4:43.80 | - | 0 |
| 59.0L | $3.50 |
| 2/15 | 12/05/2024 | 164 | MHDLE 5U | $18,210.00 | Killarney | 3419m | GY | J J Slevin | 71.5kg | 4:13.80 | - | 0 |
| 24.0L | $2.38 |
| 3/15 | 30/11/2023 | 21 | MHDLE 4U | $17,340.00 | Thurles | 3319m | Y | J J Slevin | 75.5kg | 4:06.50 | - | 0 |
| 14.3L | $3.00 |

Jockey: Jack Kennedy
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last run finished fourth of 8 starters at Fairyhouse in the G1 Boylesports Gold Cup on April 5 over 4023m, 10 len behind Fleur In The Park with 74.5kg at $9. Run before won by 1.3 len Navan in a G3 Flyingbolt Novice Chase on February 28 over 3218m on heavy going defeating Lovely Hurling with 70.5kg at $1.60 in a jumps. Better off avoiding.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 05/04/2026 | 36 | G1 5U | $177,890.00 | Fairyhouse | 4023m | YS | Jack Kennedy | 74.5kg | 5:30.50 | - | 0 |
| 10.5L | $9.00 |
| 1/5 | 28/02/2026 | 26 | G3 OPEN 5U | $63,700.00 | Navan | 3218m | Heavy | Jack Kennedy | 70.5kg | 4:33.00 | - | 0 |
| 1.3L | $1.62 |
| 1/14 | 02/02/2026 | 22 | LR OPEN 5U | $183,950.00 | Leopardstown | 3419m | Soft | Jack Kennedy | 73.5kg | 4:30.60 | - | 0 |
| 5.0L | $3.00 |
| 2/5 | 11/01/2026 | 29 | G3 OPEN 5U | $62,630.00 | Punchestown | 3922m | Soft | Jack Kennedy | 71kg | 5:20.80 | - | 0 |
| 3.5L | $8.00 |
| 1/13 | 13/12/2025 | 14 | CHSE 4U | $28,490.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | Soft | Jack Kennedy | 75.5kg | 4:18.40 | - | 0 |
| 4.3L | $4.33 |
| 3/15 | 29/11/2025 | 20 | CHSE 4U | $23,640.00 | Fairyhouse | 4325m | YS | Jack Kennedy | 75.5kg | 5:48.70 | - | 0 |
| 22.0L | $4.50 |
| 2/16 | 09/11/2025 | 219 | CHSE 4U | $23,640.00 | Naas | 3218m | Soft | Jack Kennedy | 75.5kg | 4:06.30 | - | 0 |
| 8.0L | $8.00 |
| 99/13 | 04/04/2025 | 40 | G1 HDLE 4U | $184,500.00 | Aintree | 4964m | Good | Sam Ewing | 73.5kg | 6:11.86 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $8.50 |
| 1/5 | 23/02/2025 | 36 | G3 OPEN 5U | $51,480.00 | Naas | 4023m | Heavy | Sam Ewing | 70kg | 5:29.00 | - | 0 |
| 3.3L | $6.00 |
| 1/4 | 18/01/2025 | 23 | MHDLE 5U | $20,150.00 | Navan | 4023m | Soft | Sam Ewing | 75.5kg | 5:25.80 | - | 0 |
| 0.5L | $7.00 |
| 5/17 | 26/12/2024 | 33 | MHDLE 5U | $26,010.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Y | Sam Ewing | 75.5kg | 3:52.06 | - | 0 |
| 28.3L | $15.00 |

Jockey: Paul Townend
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up today. Freshened for 51 days. Last outing finished second in a small field at Cheltenham in the G1 Arkle Challenge Trophy on March 10 over 3218m, 2.25 len behind Kargese carrying 73kg at $2.40. At only start last preparation won by 13 len Navan on November 17 over 3419m defeating Lovely Hurling carrying 75.5kg at $1.20 in a steeplechase. Ready for sharp improvement.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/6 | 10/03/2026 | 113 | G1 OPEN 5U | $359,300.00 | Cheltenham | 3218m | Good Soft | P Townend | 73kg | 3:52.35 | 4-3-3-3-2-2-2 | 0 |
| 2.3L | $2.38 |
| 1/11 | 17/11/2025 | 202 | CHSE 4U | $29,320.00 | Navan | 3419m | SH | P Townend | 75.5kg | 4:40.10 | - | 0 |
| 13.0L | $1.22 |
| 4/6 | 29/04/2025 | 49 | G1 OPEN 5U | $214,480.00 | Punchestown | 3319m | Y | P Townend | 75.5kg | 4:01.60 | - | 0 |
| 31.0L | $1.30 |
| 1/11 | 11/03/2025 | 37 | G1 OPEN 4U | $269,470.00 | Cheltenham | 3319m | Good Soft | P Townend | 73kg | 3:52.04 | 3-1-1 | 0 |
| 1.8L | $1.67 |
| 1/10 | 02/02/2025 | 38 | G1 OPEN 5U | $260,150.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Soft | P Townend | 75.5kg | 3:59.90 | - | 0 |
| 13.0L | $1.80 |
| 1/23 | 26/12/2024 | 270 | MHDLE 4 | $26,010.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Y | P W Mullins | 73kg | 3:52.08 | - | 0 |
| 2.8L | $1.67 |
| 1/14 | 31/03/2024 | - | 45 | $173,430.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | Heavy | P W Mullins | 71.5kg | 4:13.40 | - | 0 |
| 13.0L | $2.88 |

Jockey: Mark Walsh
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last run didn't finish the race at Fairyhouse in the G1 Boylesports Gold Cup on April 5 over 4023m. The start before to post a big 12 len win. This track on February 15 over 3319m in the wet defeating Break My Soul carrying 74kg at $1.80 in a steeplechase. Can't tip based on recent efforts.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99/8 | 05/04/2026 | 49 | G1 5U | $177,890.00 | Fairyhouse | 4023m | YS | Mark Walsh | 74.5kg | 5:30.50 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $17.00 |
| 1/4 | 15/02/2026 | 35 | NCHSE 5U | $38,150.00 | Punchestown | 3319m | Heavy | Mark Walsh | 74kg | 4:39.60 | - | 0 |
| 12.0L | $1.83 |
| 5/5 | 11/01/2026 | 31 | G3 OPEN 5U | $62,630.00 | Punchestown | 3922m | Soft | Mark Walsh | 71kg | 5:20.80 | - | 0 |
| 49.3L | $7.00 |
| 1/7 | 11/12/2025 | 32 | NCHSE 4U | $41,780.00 | Punchestown | 3319m | Heavy | Mark Walsh | 72kg | 4:22.40 | - | 0 |
| 3.3L | $3.50 |
| 3/16 | 09/11/2025 | 296 | CHSE 4U | $23,640.00 | Naas | 3218m | Soft | Simon Torrens | 75.5kg | 4:06.30 | - | 0 |
| 12.3L | $34.00 |
| 1/11 | 17/01/2025 | 40 | MHDLE 45 | $20,810.00 | Cork | 3419m | YS | Mark Walsh | 75.5kg | 4:15.06 | - | 0 |
| 1.8L | $1.80 |
| 4/20 | 08/12/2024 | 273 | MHDLE 4U | $21,680.00 | Cork | 3118m | Soft | Mark Walsh | 75.5kg | 3:40.20 | - | 0 |
| 17.5L | $7.00 |
| 1/7 | 10/03/2024 | - | P2P MDN 4 | $0.00 | Belclare P2p | 4828m | Y | E Mahon | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 0.3L | $1.00 |

Jockey: H Cobden
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing second-up today. First-up after two months finished second of 8 runners at Aintree in the G1 Maghull Novices Chase on April 11 over 3218m, 6 len behind Mirabad carrying 73kg at $1.70. Previously second-up finished sixth of 9 runners at Leopardstown in the G1 Racing Post Novice Chase on December 26 over 3419m, 21 len behind Romeo Coolio carrying 75.5kg at $5.50. Definite chance. Worth consideration.
Last Starts 17 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 11/04/2026 | 65 | G1 OPEN 5U | $217,790.00 | Aintree | 3218m | Good Soft | P Townend | 73kg | 3:54.16 | - | 0 |
| 6.0L | $1.73 |
| 1/10 | 05/02/2026 | 41 | CHSE 5U | $20,240.00 | Thurles | 3621m | Soft | P Townend | 75.5kg | 4:53.90 | - | 0 |
| 28.0L | $1.14 |
| 6/9 | 26/12/2025 | 29 | G1 OPEN 4U | $189,900.00 | Leopardstown | 3419m | Y | D J Mullins | 75.5kg | 4:05.60 | - | 0 |
| 21.8L | $5.50 |
| 2/8 | 27/11/2025 | 212 | CHSE 4U | $20,810.00 | Thurles | 3721m | GY | P Townend | 75.5kg | 4:39.00 | - | 0 |
| 1.3L | $1.14 |
| 2/6 | 29/04/2025 | 25 | G1 OPEN 5U | $214,480.00 | Punchestown | 3319m | Y | P W Mullins | 75.5kg | 4:01.60 | - | 0 |
| 9.0L | $4.33 |
| 1/9 | 04/04/2025 | 24 | G1 HDLE 4U | $184,500.00 | Aintree | 3312m | Good | P Townend | 73kg | 3:56.84 | 4-2-1 | 0 |
| 7.0L | $4.50 |
| 5/11 | 11/03/2025 | 58 | G1 OPEN 4U | $269,470.00 | Cheltenham | 3319m | Good Soft | P W Mullins | 73kg | 3:52.04 | 6-5-5 | 0 |
| 18.5L | $15.00 |
| 1/6 | 12/01/2025 | 242 | G2 OPEN 5U | $65,040.00 | Punchestown | 3419m | Soft | P Townend | 71.5kg | 4:27.10 | - | 0 |
| 3.0L | $1.53 |
| 1/13 | 15/05/2024 | 61 | MHDLE 4 | $18,210.00 | Tipperary | 3218m | GY | P Townend | 69.5kg | 4:07.30 | - | 0 |
| 62.0L | $1.08 |
| 6/12 | 15/03/2024 | 332 | G1 HDLE 4 | $242,530.00 | Cheltenham | 3419m | Heavy | Brian Hayes | 71kg | 4:17.52 | 6-6-6 | 0 |
| 17.0L | $9.50 |
| 2/15 | 18/04/2023 | - | LR HDLE UNR CG 3 | $115,450.00 | Auteuil | 3000m | SH | Felix De Giles | 67kg | 3:36.16 | 10-2-2 | 0 |
| 1.8L | $10.00 |