Gaelic Warrior proved a class apart in the Punchestown Gold Cup on Wednesday. He slammed old rival Fact To File, while a first Grade 1 went to Harry Derham earlier on the card. Le Frimeur won the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle.
Here is today’s racing news round-up for Thursday.
Punchestown Festival: Gaelic Warrior & Le Frimeur top Wednesday results
Gaelic Warrior added the Punchestown Gold Cup to his Cheltenham success with a devastating display on Wednesday. The eight-year-old was renewing his season-long rivalry with Fact To File. The JP McManus-owned stablemate had beaten him at Leopardstown but was no match for him here. Gaelic Warrior cruised alongside Fact To File in the home straight before putting a yawning 26 lengths between himself and the runner-up. He is as short as 2/1 for the 2027 Cheltenham Gold Cup. (BBC)
Earlier on the card, Harry Derham earned a first Grade 1 success as a trainer. He boldly sent Le Frimeur across to Ireland and his decision paid dividends. Always prominent in the 3m Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle, he stayed on stoutly to beat favourite Zanoosh,. He ultimately won by six-and-a-half lengths an maintained his unbeaten start under National Hunt rules. Doctor Steinberg again disappointed in the race for Willie Mullins. (Sporting Life)
Evoke blames black market for 2025 results
Evoke, the owners of betting brand William Hill, have blamed a surge in black market activity for mixed 2025 results. Online revenues in the UK across Evoke’s brands dropped by 3% in 2025. Overall, the picture was more positive for Evoke, whose group revenue went up by 2% year-on-year. Chief executive Per Widerstrom blamed “increased black market penetration, particularly in horseracing,” for their UK issues. (Racing Post)
2000 Guineas: Samangan to miss out but Gstaad targeted at Newmarket
Potential French raider Samangan has been ruled out of the 2000 Guineas by trainer Francis-Henri Graffard. The son of Blue Point won three of his four starts as a juvenile. He had also made a promising enough return to action when second at Deauville. After that effort, Graffard announced his intention to run his charge at Newmarket. However, a setback on Thursday ensures he will miss the opening Classic of the season. (RTE)
Meanwhile, a change in direction among Ballydoyle’s team looks set to occur. Initially, it appeared that Puerot Rico would be the main Aidan O’Brien-trained contender for the 2000 Guineas. However, O’Brien spoke to the Racing Post on Wednesday and suggested that his team “are favouring Gstaad for Newmarket.” He went on to say that “if that’s the case, Puerto Rico will wait for France.” Declarations for the 2000 Guineas are due at 10am. (Racing Post)