Only four runners are set to go to post for the Punchestown Champion Hurdle on Friday, one of the biggest races during the Irish track’s premier festival. They include the star of the 2m division in State Man, who is seeking back-to-back victories in the race after an easy success at odds of 2/5 a year ago.
The son of Doctor Dino has won 11 of his 14 starts under rules, with his only defeat since a fall on debut coming when runner-up to Constitution Hill in the 2023 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. Since then, he has won five races on the spin, claiming his own first Champion Hurdle victory in March by 1¼ lengths from runner-up Irish Point.
That rival is set to reoppose him here after that gallant defeat at Prestbury Park. Gordon Elliott’s charge was a ready Grade 1 winner over 3m in December, but will continue in his quest to depose State Man of his champion two-miler mantle.
Willie Mullins also runs Sir Gerhard just six days after he was third in the Grade 2 Select Hurdle at Sandown on the final day of the British jumps season. Lorna Fowler’s Colonel Mustard, who was fifth in the Champion Hurdle, makes up the quartet.
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
| Colonel Mustard | Lorna Fowler | JJ Slevin |
| Irish Point | Gordon Elliott | Jack Kennedy |
| Sir Gerhard | Willie Mullins | Patrick Mullins |
| State Man | Willie Mullins | Paul Townend |