Energumene and Paul Townend winning at Cheltenham© Photo Healy Racing
The stars are turning out on day one of the Punchestown Festival and not surprisingly Willie Mullins holds a very strong hand in the three Grade 1 races with Energumeme and Chacun Pour Soi clashing in the William Hill Champion Chase.
The big two look sure to dominate the market in this €275,000 feature on Tuesday, with Henry de Bromhead also doubly represented by Captain Guinness and Envoi Allen.
The Gordon Elliott-trained Andy Dufresne completes a select line-up of five runners for the two-mile event which goes to post at 5.25pm.
The champion trainer also appears to hold all the aces in the Bective Stud Champion Novice Hurdle at 4.15 where Sir Gerhard and Dysart Dynamo are both declared.
Again there are five runners with Gordon Elliott saddling Mighty Potter and Vina Ardanza, while Oliver McKiernan’s Gatsby Grey is also in the field.
The Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase (6.35) is the other Grade 1 race on the card and this three-mile event has also attracted a classy line-up headed by Bob Olinger.
Capodanno and the Gigginstown-owned pair Fury Road and Beacon Edge are also declared, while Lifetime Ambition, Ballyshannon Rose and English raider Millers Bank complete the seven runners.
The ground at present on the chase, hurdle and bumper courses is good to yielding, yielding in places. The cross country course is good.
Clerk of the Course Brendan Sheridan said this morning, “We have been watering all tracks including the cross country course.
“The forecast is to be mainly dry with some strong winds for the next couple of days before calming down so we will continue to water.
“We are very happy with the ground at present and will continue to monitor the situation regarding watering.”
