Punchestown Race 5 - Ladbrokes Maiden Hurdle
CAPTAINS SPEECH (1) finished runner-up both hurdle outings. Beaten 3L latterly at Wexford last month. Finds a good opportunity to claim a maiden victory. LEMMY CAUTION (2) failed to set the world alight this season while contesting jumpers flat races. Scored by 8L a point-to-point last spring so might find this test more to his liking on paper. QUEST FOR ANSWERS (6) is making rules debut here after securing a 20L success delivering his sole points outing in November. Worthy of respect. WILL WILDE (11) may find this task easier than the last two handicaps he contested. Possibilities if fit and ready. Something for the Multiples: VIENNA STORM (10)

Jockey: Sam Ewing
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Useful type. Freshened for 38 days. Last outing finished sixth of 16 starters at Cork on April 5 over 3822m, 34 len behind Barnahash Prince with 73.5kg at $9.50. The run before finished third of 7 runners at Fairyhouse on February 3 over 3218m, in the wet; 16 len behind Outofafrika with 76kg at $7. Hard to beat.
Last Starts 39 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/16 | 05/04/2026 | 61 | FLAT 4U | $18,960.00 | Cork | 3822m | Y | Paddy Cleary | 73.5kg | 4:44.00 | - | 0 |
| 34.3L | $9.50 |
| 3/7 | 03/02/2026 | 37 | FLAT 4U | $19,320.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | Heavy | Harry Swan | 76kg | 4:17.90 | - | 0 |
| 16.0L | $7.00 |
| 3/11 | 28/12/2025 | 41 | FLAT 4U | $22,790.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | GY | J H Williamson | 74kg | 4:07.70 | - | 0 |
| 8.3L | $2.20 |
| 5/10 | 17/11/2025 | 232 | FLAT 4U | $28,370.00 | Navan | 3218m | SH | Harry Swan | 76kg | 4:22.00 | - | 0 |
| 5.8L | $2.10 |
| 1/11 | 30/03/2025 | - | P2P MDN G 4 | $0.00 | Monksgrange P2p | 4828m | Soft | B O'neill | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 8.0L | $1.00 |

Jockey: James Smith
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Freshened for 39 days. Last outing finished fifth of 25 runners at Fairyhouse on April 4 over 4023m, 49 len behind Midnight Jet with 73kg at $201. The start before that; didn't finish the race at Downpatrick on March 29 over 4425m. Doesn't rate well enough in this field to figure in the finish.
Last Starts 40 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/25 | 04/04/2026 | 6 | MHDLE 4U | $26,940.00 | Fairyhouse | 4023m | YS | Jefferson Smith | 73kg | 5:17.30 | - | 0 |
| 49.3L | $201.00 |
| 99/13 | 29/03/2026 | 21 | MHDLE 4U | $20,680.00 | Downpatrick | 4425m | YS | Jefferson Smith | 73kg | 5:40.50 | - | 0 |
| 0.0L | $15.00 |
| 7/14 | 08/03/2026 | 136 | MHDLE 4U | $20,680.00 | Naas | 3822m | SH | Jefferson Smith | 73kg | 5:13.80 | - | 0 |
| 29.0L | $81.00 |
| 10/12 | 23/10/2025 | 39 | HCP 4U | $17,530.00 | Southwell | 2234m | Neutral | Jonny Peate | 59.5kg | 2:22.28 | 1-2-10 | 11 |
| 14.3L | $34.00 |
| 9/11 | 14/09/2025 | 28 | HCP 3U | $40,590.00 | Doncaster | 2050m | Good Soft | Fred Daly | 61kg | 2:08.55 | 1-3-9 | 11 |
| 14.5L | $23.00 |
| 9/11 | 17/08/2025 | 24 | HCP 3U | $18,150.00 | Southwell | 2414m | Neutral | Daniel Muscutt | 65kg | 2:36.64 | 2-5-9 | 9 |
| 20.3L | $7.00 |
| 5/12 | 24/07/2025 | 12 | HCP 3U | $63,520.00 | Yarmouth | 2313m | Soft | Richard Kingscote | 60.5kg | 2:29.96 | 1-3-5 | 10 |
| 4.5L | $23.00 |
| 2/5 | 12/07/2025 | 18 | HCP HUNT 4U | $20,420.00 | Salisbury | 2414m | Good Firm | Fred Daly | 57.5kg | 2:34.96 | 1-1-2 | 5 |
| 0.5L | $7.00 |
| 8/8 | 24/06/2025 | 24 | HCP 4U | $19,330.00 | Beverley | 2011m | Good Firm | Jonny Peate | 61.5kg | 2:03.42 | 7-7-8 | 4 |
| 11.0L | $7.50 |
| 3/5 | 31/05/2025 | 17 | HCP 4U | $18,510.00 | Lingfield | 2313m | Good | Jonny Peate | 60.5kg | 2:34.89 | 2-2-3 | 5 |
| 0.8L | $4.00 |
| 12/14 | 14/05/2025 | 31 | HCP 4U | $45,370.00 | York | 2414m | Good Firm | Daniel Muscutt | 59kg | 2:34.10 | 7-11-12 | 13 |
| 22.8L | $5.50 |

Jockey: Cian Cullinan
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a five months break. Finished off last campaign 6 of 14 starters at Dundalk All Weather December 12 over 1609m, 3.5 len behind Bint Majestic Roi with 54kg at $21. Previously first up; ran last at Fairyhouse June 13 over 1207m, 18 len behind I Bid You Ajou with 55.5kg at $126. Prefer to see at first outing over the obstacles.
Last Starts 153 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/14 | 12/12/2025 | 7 | APP HCP 3U | $18,990.00 | Dundalk | 1609m | Neutral | Shay Wallace | 54kg | 1:39.44 | - | 6 |
| 3.3L | $21.00 |
| 5/13 | 05/12/2025 | 9 | HCP 3U | $18,990.00 | Dundalk | 1609m | Neutral | James J G Ryan | 58kg | 1:39.51 | - | 6 |
| 5.8L | $26.00 |
| 8/14 | 26/11/2025 | 21 | HCP 3U | $18,910.00 | Dundalk | 1609m | Neutral | Killian Leonard | 60kg | 1:39.29 | - | 3 |
| 6.5L | $67.00 |
| 10/14 | 05/11/2025 | 26 | HCP 3U | $18,910.00 | Dundalk | 1408m | Neutral | Jack Cleary | 60.5kg | 1:25.95 | - | 1 |
| 12.8L | $81.00 |
| 13/14 | 10/10/2025 | 20 | HCP 3U | $22,060.00 | Dundalk | 1408m | Neutral | Jack Cleary | 58.5kg | 1:26.31 | - | 5 |
| 19.3L | $81.00 |
| 10/15 | 20/09/2025 | 10 | HCP 3U | $19,420.00 | Gowran Park | 1609m | Heavy | Adam Grant | 54.5kg | 1:46.52 | - | 15 |
| 15.5L | $81.00 |
| 19/21 | 10/09/2025 | 15 | HCP 3U | $19,420.00 | Cork | 1408m | Soft | Jack Cleary | 57.5kg | 1:27.63 | - | 16 |
| 26.8L | $101.00 |
| 14/15 | 26/08/2025 | 22 | HCP 4U | $19,340.00 | Bellewstown | 1609m | GY | Jack Cleary | 60.5kg | 1:40.43 | - | 12 |
| 22.3L | $67.00 |
| 13/18 | 04/08/2025 | 9 | APP HCP 3U | $19,340.00 | Naas | 1207m | GY | Adam Grant | 61kg | 1:12.02 | - | 14 |
| 12.0L | $51.00 |
| 16/16 | 26/07/2025 | 23 | HCP 3U | $22,550.00 | Gowran Park | 1609m | Good | Jack Cleary | 54.5kg | 1:39.38 | - | 3 |
| 27.0L | $101.00 |
| 7/8 | 03/07/2025 | 6 | HCP 3U | $39,330.00 | Bellewstown | 1005m | Good | Jack Cleary | 60.5kg | 0:59.57 | - | 9 |
| 9.0L | $67.00 |

Jockey: Mike O'Connor
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming from a lengthy break. Only had one start last when to post a big 20 len win. Borris House P2p on November 30 over 4828m defeating Northern Milan with 57.5kg in a jumps. Can make it back to back wins.
Last Starts 165 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 30/11/2025 | - | P2P MDN G 4 | $0.00 | Borris House P2p | 4828m | Y | D Higgins | 57.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 20.0L | $1.00 |

Jockey: Keith Donoghue
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming. Finished off last preparation 5 of 14 starters at Naas March 8 over 3822m, 15 len behind Healys Pub carrying 75.5kg at $34. First ever race start 3 of 14 starters at Dromahane P2p December 30 over 4828m, slow track; 18 len behind Handmedownastar carrying 60kg. Can run a big race while fresh. Should be thereabouts.
Last Starts 67 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/14 | 08/03/2026 | 14 | MHDLE 4U | $20,680.00 | Naas | 3822m | SH | Keith Donoghue | 75.5kg | 5:13.80 | - | 0 |
| 15.0L | $34.00 |
| 2/7 | 22/02/2026 | 35 | P2P MDN G 6U | $0.00 | Tinahely P2p | 4828m | Heavy | L P Shanahan | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 6.0L | $1.00 |
| 2/11 | 18/01/2026 | 19 | P2P MDN H 6U | $0.00 | Carrigarostig P2p | 4828m | Heavy | L P Shanahan | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 2.5L | $1.00 |
| 3/14 | 30/12/2025 | - | P2P MDN H 5 | $0.00 | Dromahane P2p | 4828m | Soft | L P Shanahan | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 18.0L | $1.00 |

Jockey: Paul Townend
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a break; at only start last campaign finished fifth of 10 starters at Naas on January 25 over 3721m, on heavy track; 91 len behind Love Sign D'aunou carrying 76kg at $11. Has upside and may well be worth another try.
Last Starts 109 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/10 | 25/01/2026 | - | FLAT 4U | $18,910.00 | Naas | 3721m | Heavy | J Townend | 76kg | 4:57.80 | - | 0 |
| 91.5L | $11.00 |

Jockey: Sean Flanagan
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from the paddock today. Finished off last preparation 6 of 20 starters at Leopardstown December 28 2024 over 4727m, 12 len behind Win Some Lose Some with 61kg at $51. When resuming last campaign 8 of 18 starters at Listowel September 22 2024 over 4425m, 50 len behind Uncle Pat carrying 75.5kg at $5.50. Sure to be tough to beat.
Last Starts 502 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/20 | 28/12/2024 | 34 | HDLE HCP 4U | $52,030.00 | Leopardstown | 4727m | Y | Kieran Callaghan | 61kg | 5:58.00 | - | 0 |
| 12.3L | $51.00 |
| 99/15 | 24/11/2024 | 30 | HDLE HCP 4U | $38,150.00 | Punchestown | 4828m | Soft | Sean Flanagan | 67kg | 6:13.50 | - | 0 |
| 0.0L | $12.00 |
| 2/12 | 25/10/2024 | 33 | MHDLE 4U | $18,210.00 | Sligo | 4123m | Y | D Doyle | 75.5kg | 5:16.60 | - | 0 |
| 0.8L | $4.50 |
| 8/18 | 22/09/2024 | 260 | MHDLE 5U | $24,550.00 | Listowel | 4425m | Good | Sean Flanagan | 75.5kg | 5:37.40 | - | 0 |
| 50.5L | $5.50 |
| 11/22 | 06/01/2024 | 23 | MHDLE 45 | $21,680.00 | Cork | 3218m | SH | Sean Flanagan | 75.5kg | 4:04.00 | - | 0 |
| 54.3L | $2.20 |
| 3/16 | 14/12/2023 | 48 | MHDLE 4 | $21,680.00 | Naas | 3822m | Soft | Sean Flanagan | 73kg | 4:56.10 | - | 0 |
| 10.0L | $4.50 |
| 1/9 | 27/10/2023 | 185 | FLAT 4U | $18,210.00 | Sligo | 3621m | Soft | J L Gleeson | 73.5kg | 4:37.30 | - | 0 |
| 2.5L | $7.50 |
| 15/22 | 25/04/2023 | - | FLAT 4 | $26,010.00 | Punchestown | 3319m | Y | F Maguire | 74.5kg | 4:06.00 | - | 0 |
| 24.0L | $17.00 |