The Grade 1 William Hill Champion Chase may prove the race of the week at Punchestown. There are only five runners, but multiple Champion Chasers take their chance for the 2m showcase.

GG tipster Joe Napier previews this year’s renewal, which sees defending champion Marine Nationale take on a Willie Mullins quartet. Find out who Joe is backing below in a stellar race.

2026 Punchestown Champion Chase Runners 

This year’s William Hill Champion Chase field is stellar if small. It possesses the winners of four Queen Mother Champion Chases since 2022, as well as this year’ odds-on favourite for that race.

Said favourite was Majborough. The six-year-old is probably the most naturally talented horse in the field. He bolted up at this meeting last year in novice company and won by a wide margin at Leopardstown too. Some more rain would probably have helped his chances here though as Cheltenham demonstrated his ruthless Achilles heel: his jumping. Even a passable jumping performance from him could be enough despite the strength of his rivals, but trusting that requires plenty of faith on most evidence.

Marine Nationale also lost a race due to his jumping earlier this term. He made a critical early blunder before losing by just half-a-length in the Grade 1 Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase. That is unlike him though, and it showed he goes well fresh. Last year’s Cheltenham-Punchestown double was achieved comfortably, but his rivals here look a bit stronger than in 2025.

That is most notably true of Il Etait Temps. The eight-year-old grey had only just won Sandown’s Celebrtion Chase after a long lay-off 12 months ago. He has since added a Tingle Creek and the Champion Chase at Cheltenham to his CV. Often underestimated, that will not be the case here and the opposition could outpace him if jumping well enough. However, Willie Mullins’ terrier-like champion will almost certainly see this race out best and he has won at Punchestown before.

Blood Destiny‘s presence adds intrigue as he could be used to make the pace. That may settle Majborough down, while Energumene is a gallant veteran nowadays. A 12-year-old won the Celebration Chase this year, but despite the Tony Bloom-owned old boy winning last time out, this look a tall order for him in 2026.

2026 Punchestown Champion Chase Racecard

2026 Punchestown Champion Chase Trends 

Below are some key trends which may help determine the 2026 winner of the Champion Chase at Punchestown.

• Willie Mullins has won five runnings since 2018, but neither of the last two
• Only three of the last ten favourites have won the race
• The last seven winners have been aged 8 or older
• Paul Townend has won the race five times – one more win makes him the leading rider in its history

2026 Punchestown Champion Chase Tips 

The top trio in the betting are very difficult to split. With all three at similar odds, Majborough’s precarious jumping makes him marginally the least appealing. The percentages suggest Il Etait Temps is the play and the race may again set up well for the grey. A sound surface at a touch above 2m is ideal for him. Marine Nationale is second best just, as while it could be a positive that he missed Cheltenham, the fact he is returning from injury may scupper his fitness slightly.

FAQ

When and where is the Punchestown Champion Chase run?

The Punchestown Champion Chase will take place at Punchestown racecourse on Tuesday 28 April, 2026 at 6.05pm.

How can I watch the Punchestown Champion Chase on Tuesday?

The Punchestown Champion Chase is live on Racing TV at 6.05pm on Tuesday.

When were the Punchestown Champion Chase tips published?

The tips for the Punchestown Champion Chase were published at 2.15pm on Monday 27 April.

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