Willie Mullins may not have Gallopin des Champs this time, but he still commands a strong presence in the John Durcan Memorial Punchestown Chase, with last year’s winners Fact to File and Gaelic Warrior set to compete against each other Sunday. Trainer Crossutton, who boasts two Grand National winners and a Cheltenham Festival victor among his seven entries in this event—which he holds a record 10 wins in—also fields star horses such as Gavin Cromwell’s Cheltenham Gold Cup champion Inotewayursinkin and Martin Brazile’s 2023 champion Fast Throw.
Patrick Mullins, assistant trainer to his father, describes the upcoming race as a highlight of the season, featuring top names like the Gold Cup winner, Ryanair winner, Aintree Bowl winner, two Grand National champions, and the Brown Advisory winner. He favors starting the season with a competitive two-and-a-half-mile race rather than a longer, more taxing distance, expecting a showdown primarily between Fact to File and Gaelic Warrior. He also notes the potential growth of Inotewayursinkin and Fast Throw as the season progresses, though Fast Throw’s comeback from injury remains uncertain.
Last year, Fact to File triumphed over Spillanes Tower and Gallopin des Champs in an exciting opener at the Kildare track, which continues to be a favored venue for intermediate races like the Ryanair at Cheltenham. Gaelic Warrior has shown marked improvement over longer distances since last season and is targeting races like the King George VI Chase and potentially the Gold Cup this year. According to Mullins, Fact to File likely has the edge on Sunday at the two-and-a-half-mile distance, though Gaelic Warrior is expected to aim for longer challenges ahead.
Crossutton’s contingent also includes notable horses like Brown Advisory winner Leckie Watson, James du Verley, Grange Clare West, and Grand National winners I Am Maximus and Nick Lockett. Patrick Mullins reminisces about the thrilling Grand National win on Merseyside with Lockett and is eager to renew that partnership, despite the race possibly being shorter than Lockett’s best distance.
Among the field, much attention will focus on Inotewayursinkin making his seasonal debut. After finishing seventh here last year, he closed out his campaign with a prestigious Cheltenham Festival win. Racing manager Frank Berry, representing owner JP McManus, remains optimistic about Inotewayursinkin’s performance despite the short race distance, hoping this start will lead to stronger performances later in the season. Henry de Bromhead’s Hart Wood and Vincent Halley’s Senesia round out the lineup.
Fan Take: This race is a thrilling early-season indicator of which horses could define the upcoming National Hunt calendar. Fans of horse racing should watch closely as it sets the stage for possible major battles in the King George VI Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup, showcasing top talent and emerging stars alike.
