Nine runners have been declared for the Punchestown Gold Cup, the most anticipated race at the track’s annual jumps festival run this week. They include Irish and Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs, who is looking to become just the second horse to win all three Grade 1 Gold Cups in the same season after Sizing John in 2017.
His Cheltenham success contributed to his trainer Willie Mullins winning his first British Trainers’ Championship at the weekend, though this is also a retrieval mission in part after his defeat in the race last year, also having won at Cheltenham previously. His conqueror that day, Fastorslow, has also been declared in his bid for back-to-back wins in the race.
Martin Brassil’s charge sprung an almighty 20/1 shock in this contest 12 months ago having finished second in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Festival. This time around, he arrives after an unseat in the Gold Cup, so both major players have something significant to overcome in their pursuit of the showpiece.
Among the other seven taking part, Corach Rambler arrives also seeking redemption for his first fence fall in the Grand National. He is the only British raider, although other big race winners in King George victor Hewick and Cotswold Chase winner Capodanno are set to line-up.
The Robcour-owned pair of Gentlemansgame and Journey With Me are outsiders for the contest, while the field is made up of recent Melling Chase runner-up Conflated and former Supreme Novices’ Hurdler Appreciate It.
The tragic news of Shishkin’s passing on Sunday night clouds the race, as this was meant to be Nicky Henderson’s star’s final race of the season. He is one of four who will now miss the race on Wednesday.
Punchestown Gold Cup Odds
Given his CV now matches some of the greatest in history, it is no surprise to see Galopin Des Champs atop the market at a best price of 4/6. However, the betting is much closer than it was at Cheltenham after his turnover in the race in 2023, with Fastorslow trading at a high of 5/2 to once again down Willie Mullins’ great chaser and Punchestown Gold Cup favourite.
The pair are well clear of their nearest challenger in the market, Corach Rambler. The 2023 Grand National hero unseated at the first in his defence of the race, but comes here relatively fresh as a result after chasing Galopin Des Champs home in third at Cheltenham. He is a best-priced 12/1 for those looking among the each-way chances.