Bob Olinger sparked emotional scenes at Punchestown on Thursday. The 11-year-old was retired on the spot after winning the Punchestown Stayers Hurdle. However, hot favourite Kopek Des Bordes took a heavy fall in the Grade 1 Barberstown Castle Novice Chase.
Here is today’s racing news round-up heading into the weekend.
Punchestown Festival: Bob Olinger wins after Kopek Des Bordes’ tumble
Bob Olinger bowed out of racing in the most fitting way on Thursday. The 11-year-old gamely battled to win the Punchestown Stayers Hurdle from the fast-finishing Jimmy Du Seuil. He was retired immediately after the race by tearful owner Brian Acheson of Robcour. Bob Olinger won 11 of his 22 races under rules. They included three Cheltenham Festival triumphs, while the Punchestown Stayers Hurdle was his fifth Grade 1 success. (BBC)
The wait goes on for Kopek Des Bordes’ first Grade 1 win over fences, however. The hot favourite for the Barberstown Castle Novice Chase took a heavy fall at the penultimate fence under Paul Townend. The six-year-old had been a narrow second in the Arkle at Cheltenham. Expected to make amends here, he led into the home straight before diving through the second last. Stablemate Salvator Mundi picked up the pieces for a second top level triumph in all. Harry Cobden partnered him to victory. (Sporting Life)
Flat racing: Ascot chief bullish as calls to pause affordability checks intensify
Ascot racecourse’s chief executive Felicity Barnard is bullish about flat racing’s position continuing into 2026. Ascot hosts its first flat meeting of the year on Friday. Barnard was formerly in charge of commercial operations at two Premier League clubs, Arsenal and West Ham. However, she took the leap into horse racing in January 2025. Barnard said in an interview with the Guardian that “I’m hugely positive about the sport, I love it and all the characters in it.” (The Guardian)
Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddlestone has weighed in on affordability checks. The Conservative MP has backed shouts to pause the application of such measures. Increasing evidence suggests that affordability checks will cause more harm than good, with black market bookmaking operations profiting from disillusioned gamblers. Huddlestone is adamant that Labour “should not be ploughing ahead with poor regulations.” (Daily Express)
2000 Guineas: Billy Loughnane hoping youth is an advantage
20-year-old Billy Loughnane is aiming for a Classic breakthrough in the 2000 Guineas this weekend. Loughnane made his debut in the saddle at the age of 16 in 2022. He will partner Newmarket favourite Bow Echo in the opening Classic on Saturday. George Boughey’s colt is unbeaten in three starts and has long held a prominent position in the 2000 Guineas betting. Loughnane said “it’s a bit surreal” to be involved with a favourite in such a race. (BBC)