It’s day 1 of the Punchestown Festival on Tuesday 28 April, as the five-day National Hunt extravaganza gets under way. Three Grade 1 races light up the Irish venue with the Champion Novice Hurdle, Champion Novice Chase and Champion Chase the trio of feature contests amongst the eight-race card.
Our in-house tipster Steve Chambers previews the action and picks out his best bets for the sparkling day’s racing.
Punchestown Racing Tips (Tuesday 28 April)
It’s a 2.30pm start at Punchestown on Tuesday, with the Cross Country Chase kicking things off. There’s a mixture of Graded races and handicaps throughout the card, with a Flat race concluding the action at 6.35pm.
3.05 Punchestown – Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Final Handicap Hurdle – Powerful (1pt win – 10/1)
His last two visits to Punchestown have seen him get his head in front and Powerful can land the hat-trick on Tuesday in the competitive-looking 3.05pm contest. Jessica Harrington’s charge is 7lbs higher than that last winning mark, but the five-year-old still looks open to improvement. He failed to land a blow at Fairyhouse last time out, but that was in listed company. A return to the handicap sphere should see him in his best light, and whilst near top weight isn’t going to be easy, he will enjoy the step back up in trip and is the one to back.
3.40 Punchestown – Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle – Murcia (1pt win – 11/2)
A Grade 1-winning juvenile, Murcia has struggled to kick on from that Aintree success last season. However, the Willie Mullins-trained raider can return to winning ways on Tuesday. She failed to land a blow in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, when 15th. Yet, she had a far from easy passage that day, so you can discount that run. She showed better form last time out at Faiyhouse, when fifth. Interestingly, she’s been dropped a further 1lb by the handicapper, so runs off 138 here. Well fancied for the County off 142, if she can produce her best then she has to be hugely respected for the Closutton team.
4.15 Punchestown – PRL Champion Novice Hurdle – El Cairos (1pt win – 5/2)
Fifth in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, El Cairos can improve on that effort and claim Grade 1 glory in the Champion Novice Hurdle at 4.15pm. He went to Cheltenham a leading contender, but just appeared to lack the class of the likes of Old Park Star. He faces a much easier task on Tuesday, with Skylight Hustle looking his main danger. His jumping has been iffy at times, but if Jack Kennedy can get him jumping efficiently then his engine should see him dominate this contest and he looks more than capable of landing this prize.
6.05 Punchestown – William Hill Champion Chase – Majborough (1pt win – 11/4)
There may only be five runners in the Grade 1 Champion Chase at 6.05pm, but the triumvirate of Marine Nationale, Il Etait Temps and Majborough have shown to be real top class two-milers on their day. Add in the veteran Energumene and you have a top class quartet. Well fancied for the Queen Mother Champion Chase in March after a fine win at Leopardstown, Majborough fluffed his lines again with a woeful jumping display. At his brilliant best, he could well get Marine Nationale and Il Etait Temps under the pump, but he can often make a litany of jumping errors to see his chance go. However, if he can put in a clear round and replicate his dominant win at the Dublin Racing Festival then he can dominate this contest from the flag fall.
Punchestown Festival Day 1 Tips – Tuesday 28th April
3.05 Punchestown – Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Final Handicap Hurdle – Powerful (1pt win – 10/1)
3.40 Punchestown – Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle – Murcia (1pt win – 11/2)
4.15 Punchestown – PRL Champion Novice Hurdle – El Cairos (1pt win – 5/2)
6.05 Punchestown – William Hill Champion Chase – Majborough (1pt win – 11/4)
Today’s Meetings & Start Times
- Punchestown – first race 14:30
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are the Punchestown Festival Day 1 tips?
Steve Chambers provides Punchestown Festival Day 1 tips for Tuesday 28th April, 2026.
When were the Punchestown Festival Day 1 tips published?
The Punchestown Festival Day 1 tips were published at 2.55pm on Monday 27th April.
Who is Steve Chambers?
Who is Steve Chambers? Steve Chambers is the editor and regular tipster and writer for GG. He has over 10 years experience in the industry and has a wealth of knowledge on all things racing.
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