Our Punchestown racing tips cover all 8 races on the card today, Thursday 30th April 2026. The action gets underway at 14:30 and runs through to 18:35, with going reported as YIELDING, Good to yielding in places on Cross Country Chase (Watering).
A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Pure Steel boasts a 66.67% strike rate from 3 runs at the track, Mr P W Mullins has been in fine form here with 92 wins from 331 rides, William Harvey’s yard sends out runners with a 25% strike rate at this venue. Below you’ll find race-by-race breakdowns with our top selections, live odds and tipster picks.
Tipster Performance at Punchestown
Here’s how the leading tipsters have fared at Punchestown over the last two years (minimum 10 selections):
| Tipster | Source | Selections | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bettinggods.com | bettinggods.com | 11 | 7 | 63.64% | 63.64% |
| Lee Sobot | Yorkshire Evening Post | 20 | 10 | 50% | 80% |
| Luke Tucker | Cambridge Evening News | 14 | 6 | 42.86% | 64.29% |
| Mercury | Daily Post | 24 | 9 | 37.5% | 70.83% |
| Computeform | The Racing App | 16 | 6 | 37.5% | 87.5% |
14:30 – Specialist Group Novice Hurdle
Race Details: 2m | | Going: YIELDING, Good to yielding in places on Cross Country Chase (Watering) | | jumps
This is a smart little novice to kick things off, with Willie Mullins and Henry De Bromhead both mob-handed and a few unexposed types adding to the intrigue. Leader D’Allier sets the standard on a mark of 138 and his profile is rock-solid, while stablemate Nadia’s Boy arrives unbeaten and could easily have more to offer than the bare figures suggest. Gameball also has a classy look to him despite being turned over last time, and Colcannon comes here on the back of a good win and is entitled to plenty of respect. The four-year-olds Beauvallon and Immediate Effect get weight, which keeps them interesting, but this still looks a race where proven graded-level novice form should count for plenty. Strong race, but not an impossible puzzle.
Top Selections
1. Leader D’Allier
Jockey: Paul Townend | Trainer: W P Mullins | Form: -11214 | Rating: 138 | Topspeed: 106
He looks the percentage call. Leader D’Allier has done very little wrong all season, winning twice and backing that up with solid placed efforts before a respectable fourth last time. The key point is that his overall body of work is the strongest in the field, and that 138 rating is the standout number on offer. Paul Townend is an eye-catching booking in a stable with multiple runners, and around Punchestown that is never something to ignore. He may not be wildly ahead of the assessor, but he sets a reliable level and this test on yielding ground should suit him well. In a race full of possibilities, he is the one with the fewest holes. Bet type: WIN.
Bet: WIN
2. Beauvallon – 12/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Danny Mullins | Trainer: W P Mullins | Form: 51 | Rating: 130 | Topspeed: 79
Beauvallon makes plenty of each-way appeal at 12/1 with Bet365. He is still very lightly raced over hurdles, but the form figures are appealing enough and a mark of 130 for a four-year-old getting weight from the older horses puts him right in the mix. This is a deeper race than the one he won, obviously, yet he is exactly the type Mullins often improves again when stepped into stronger company. Danny Mullins is no negative at all, and the 158lb burden is a handy asset in a race where several principals carry 166. He doesn’t need to be the best horse in the field to hit the frame, and he could easily outrun his price. Bet type: EACH-WAY.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Leader D’Allier is the solid win play on the strength of his rating and consistent novice form, and he looks hard to oppose if running to his usual level. For an each-way punt, Beauvallon appeals as an unexposed four-year-old getting weight and representing the same powerful yard. The main dangers are Nadia’s Boy, who is unbeaten, and Gameball, whose form gives him every chance if bouncing back.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colcannon | 11/4 | 9/4 | 5/2 | 9/4 | 5/2 | 11/4 (Bet365) |
| Fort Dino | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Friary Road | 40/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Gameball | 7/2 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 3/1 | 10/3 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
| Ionian | 18/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 (William Hill) |
| Techno Davis | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Beauvallon | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Immediate Effect | 18/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 (Betfair) |
| Alwaysgoinhome | 200/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 200/1 (Bet365) |
15:05 – Close Brothers Irish EBF Mares Novice Hurdle (Listed Race)
Race Details: 2m | | Going: YIELDING, Good to yielding in places on Cross Country Chase (Watering) | | jumps
This is a small but fairly interesting mares’ novice, even if the market suggests it revolves around the Mullins yard. Future Prospect brings the highest rating into the race on 142, while Diamond Du Berlais is not far behind on 137 and has the profile of one who could easily bounce back from a lesser effort. Adrienne gets weight as the sole 4yo and that gives her a definite squeak in a six-runner contest, while Alliteration arrives on the back of a win and looks the one most likely to muscle into the argument if the principals underperform. Blue Velvet is better than her latest pull-up, but she does need to leave that behind. It is not a deep Listed race, but it is just tricky enough to make price matter.
Top Selections
1. Future Prospect – 9/4 with Paddy Power
Jockey: Paul Townend | Trainer: W P Mullins | Form: 36-1P4 | Rating: 142 | Topspeed: 134
She sets the standard on the figures and, in a race lacking depth, that matters. A mark of 142 is the best in this field and her Topspeed number is also comfortably the strongest, so there is a solid case that she is simply the class act if reproducing her better form. The recent fourth was not spectacular, but it was at least a step back in the right direction after a pulled-up effort, and Paul Townend being booked hardly discourages confidence. At 9/4 she is not being missed, but she still makes plenty of appeal in a race where several of these have questions to answer. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Adrienne – 11/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Darragh O’keeffe | Trainer: T M Walsh | Form: 132034 | Rating: 131 | Topspeed: 121
Adrienne looks the each-way angle purely because she gets in here on 150lb as a 4yo, and that is not nothing in a race where the older mares all carry 158lb or more. Her form has been a touch mixed lately, but she has been running respectably in decent company and a rating of 131 leaves her with a realistic chance of picking up the pieces if one or two bigger names fluff their lines. She is not obviously ahead of the Mullins pair on raw ability, but in a six-runner race with only two places, 11/2 is fair enough for a filly who should be staying on when it matters. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Future Prospect is the win play on the strength of her rating edge and the fact this does not look an especially deep Listed contest. Adrienne is the each-way punt at a fair price, with her weight allowance giving her a live chance of hitting the frame. Diamond Du Berlais is the obvious danger if bouncing back, while Alliteration is not hopeless for minor honours.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catchabird | 25/1 | 22/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 (Bet365) |
| Alliteration | 8/1 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 17/2 | 17/2 (William Hill) |
| Blue Velvet | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 8/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Diamond Du Berlais | 11/8 | 11/8 | 11/8 | 11/8 | 8/5 | 8/5 (William Hill) |
| Future Prospect | 2/1 | 15/8 | 9/4 | 15/8 | 15/8 | 9/4 (Paddy Power) |
| Adrienne | 11/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
15:40 – Mongey Communications La Touche Cup Cross Country Chase
Race Details: 4m 1f | | Going: YIELDING, Good to yielding in places on Cross Country Chase (Watering) | | jumps
This is a proper La Touche, too: a big field, plenty of proven stayers and a few who look far more convincing around these banks than on conventional tracks. Vanillier brings class and obvious recent cross-country form, while Busselton and Desertmore House are right at the head of the market for good reason. The Goffer is the slightly more intriguing runner, dropping into this sphere off a mark that gives him a real say if he takes to the test. It’s not a vintage renewal on bare depth, but it is a tricky, absorbing puzzle because the specialist angle matters so much here and a few of these arrive with patchy recent profiles. In races like this, stamina, fluency and patience usually decide everything.
Top Selections
1. Vanillier – 9/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Keith Donoghue | Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Form: U-6313 | Rating: 142 | Topspeed: 133
Vanillier makes the most appeal because he already looks thoroughly at home in this discipline and arrives with the right blend of class and current sharpness. His recent form figures in cross-country company read well, and a mark of 142 does not look an obvious barrier given how strongly he can travel over marathon trips. Keith Donoghue is exactly the sort you want in these races: cool, economical and rarely in a hurry at the wrong time. At 9/4 he is no giveaway, but he is the one with the fewest doubts among the principals and holds rock-solid claims if reproducing his latest level. Bet type tag: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. The Goffer – 9/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Jack Kennedy | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Form: -02720 | Rating: 143 | Topspeed: 136
The Goffer is the interesting each-way play because he brings a touch of class from orthodox staying handicaps and could easily find new life for this very different test. His recent form is mixed enough to keep the price honest, but a rating of 143 and a Topspeed of 136 tell you he has the raw ability to be very competitive if he adapts. Jack Kennedy on an Elliott runner in a staying chase is never something to dismiss lightly, and 9/2 looks fair in a 14-runner race paying four places. He does not have the same proven banks credentials as Vanillier, but as an each-way punt he is far from the worst gamble in here. Bet type tag: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Vanillier is the win bet because he has the strongest specialist profile and fewer questions to answer than most. The Goffer is the each-way option at 9/2, with four places giving a bit of cover if he takes to the course as hoped. Desertmore House and Busselton are the obvious dangers, especially if either gets into an early rhythm over these unique obstacles.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outside The Door | 16/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Vanillier | 9/4 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 9/4 (Bet365) |
| Busselton | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 (Bet365) |
| Desertmore House | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 (Bet365) |
| Dorans Law | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Shannon Royale | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Vital Island | 22/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 20/1 | 25/1 (Betfair) |
| Benny The Duke | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 (Bet365) |
| Bodhisattva | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Cavalry Master | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Lough Derg Spirit | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 (Bet365) |
| The Bosses Oscar | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 (Bet365) |
| The Goffer | 9/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Walking On Glass | 50/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 (Betfair) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Moorestyle | The Goffer |
| Ian Gaughran | Vanillier |
| Brian Flanagan | Desertmore House |
16:15 – Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race)
Race Details: 2m 7f | | Going: YIELDING, Good to yielding in places on Cross Country Chase (Watering) | | jumps
This is a proper Punchestown handicap: 26 runners, plenty with chances, and very little room for a lazy opinion. The younger legs look particularly interesting, with Seaniecon, Blue Mosque, The Lovely Man and The Big Clubman all arriving with upward pressure in their profiles, while class acts like Hewick and Fillyoureye add depth if they can defy their marks or rediscover their best. The trip should place the emphasis firmly on stamina rather than speed, and in a race this congested you want something still on the upgrade rather than a well-exposed type trying to bluff it out. It is a strong, competitive contest rather than a throwaway festival handicap, but it still feels the sort of puzzle where a progressive profile and a workable weight can make all the difference.
Top Selections
1. Seaniecon – 6/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr | Trainer: Jonjo & A J O’Neill | Form: 2125 | Rating: 151 | Topspeed: 146
A five-year-old with form figures of 2125 has exactly the sort of profile I want in a race like this: lightly raced, already operating to a useful level, and not yet done improving. The 151 mark asks a question, but that Topspeed figure of 146 says he is not short of raw ability, and he gets in here with a very workable 145. Jonjo O’Neill Jr is a rider you want in a big-field staying handicap because he is patient without being passive, and this horse looks likely to be staying on when plenty have cried enough. At 6/1, he makes plenty of appeal as the one with the strongest blend of class and upside. Bet: WIN
2. Blue Mosque – 9/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Donagh Meyler | Trainer: Noel Meade | Form: 2-0042 | Rating: 153 | Topspeed: 131
Blue Mosque is the each-way play because his profile screams “solid festival handicap run”. He has been working his way back into form this season and that latest second suggests he is coming to the boil at the right time. Noel Meade knows exactly what is required for this meeting, and a six-year-old carrying 145 in a race over this sort of trip is immediately interesting when the market is offering 9/1 and six places. He does not have quite the sexy unexposed angle of one or two others, but he is well treated enough to be involved and looks the type to keep finding from the last rather than folding under pressure. Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Seaniecon is the win bet because he looks the most likely improver in a race where that counts for plenty. Blue Mosque is the each-way option at 9/1, with six places giving you a bit of insurance in a cavalry charge. The Lovely Man and Fillyoureye are obvious dangers, while The Big Clubman also has the profile to outrun his price if this turns into a proper slog.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hewick | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Karl Des Tourelles | 7/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 (Betfair) |
| Da Capo Glory | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
| Minella Sixo | 28/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Betfair) |
| The Big Clubman | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Champagne Chic | 12/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Duke Silver | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
| Onewaywest | 28/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
| Daydream Nation | 17/2 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Betfair) |
| Ballybow | 33/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 (Betfair) |
| Ballystone | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Ballykinlar | 22/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 (Bet365) |
| Fillyoureye | 15/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Blue Mosque | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
| Seaniecon | 6/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Buachaillbocht | 8/1 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| Fad Eadrainn | 18/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
| Icare Desbois | 40/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 (Betfair) |
| Sign From Above | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
| The Lovely Man | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| Billy Lee Swagger | 25/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Betfair) |
| Chance Another One | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Rory Paddock | Buachaillbocht |
| Jim Delahunt | Buachaillbocht |
| Adrian Wall | Grann’s Boy |
| Farringdon | Minella Sixo |
| Ben Morgan | Seaniecon |
16:50 – Frontline Security Handicap Chase (Listed Race)
Race Details: 2m | | Going: YIELDING, Good to yielding in places on Cross Country Chase (Watering) | | jumps
This is a proper Punchestown handicap chase: deep, messy and full of horses who can be argued into the frame. The market has latched on to recent winners like Come Walk With Me, Coral River and Raffles Dolce Vita, while Release The Beast has been knocking hard on the door and McLaurey is easy to make a case for if forgiving his latest run. Relieved Of Duties is weighted to be dangerous despite patchy recent form, and Seskin Flash is the sort lurking lower down who could outrun his price. Over this sharp 2m on yielding ground, position and clean jumping will matter plenty. It looks a strong enough renewal for the grade, but it is still a handicap puzzle rather than a race to get carried away with at the head of the market.
Top Selections
1. Release The Beast – 6/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Eoin Staples | Trainer: Paul Nolan | Form: 66-224 | Rating: 144 | Topspeed: 135
He has the look of a horse ready to cash in before long. Those last three runs, all solid efforts in defeat, suggest he is holding his form really well, and a mark of 144 looks workable in a race where plenty arrive with questions attached. The Topspeed figure of 135 is right up there with the more obvious contenders, which matters in a sharp 2m handicap like this. Paul Nolan’s runner doesn’t need much more than another accurate round to go very close, and at 6/1 he makes more appeal than some of the sexier recent winners. He is the one I’d want onside to win this. Bet type: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Seskin Flash – 18/1 with Sky Bet
Jockey: Conor Stone-Walsh | Trainer: J P Dempsey | Form: 14-134 | Rating: 142 | Topspeed: 120
He is exactly the sort of each-way play that appeals in these big Punchestown handicaps. The profile is consistent, the recent form figures are honest, and carrying 149 leaves him looking fairly treated if he can cope with the rise in class. He may not have the raw figures of one or two of these, but he arrives in form and doesn’t look badly placed in a race where several of the principals are tightly packed at the weights. Rory Delargy has already flagged him up, and it is not hard to see why. At 18/1, he looks overpriced for a horse with solid place credentials and a squeak of better. Bet type: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Release The Beast is the win bet at around 6/1, as he brings the most convincing blend of current form and handicap potential. For an each-way punt, Seskin Flash makes plenty of sense at 18/1 with five places on offer. Main dangers? Come Walk With Me is progressive, while Raffles Dolce Vita and McLaurey are obvious threats if producing their better chase form.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballysax Hank | 10/1 | 17/2 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Western Diego | 16/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Come Walk With Me | 11/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Coral River | 17/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 17/2 (Bet365) |
| Escapeandevade | 16/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Raffles Dolce Vita | 13/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Release The Beast | 6/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| The King Of Prs | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Relieved Of Duties | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Sky Lord | 9/1 | 17/2 | 9/1 | 8/1 | 17/2 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
| Birdie Or Bust | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
| Golden Joy | 20/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
| Indiana Jones | 33/1 | 30/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Jalila Moriviere | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| McLaurey | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Petit Tonnerre | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Seskin Flash | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 (Sky Bet) |
| Dont Go Yet | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Tuckmill | 150/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Sunday Express | Raffles Dolce Vita |
| Melissa Jones | The King Of Prs |
| Rory Delargy | Seskin Flash |
| Kieran McHugh | Petit Tonnerre |
| The Irish Sun | Jalila Moriviere |
| racing-daily.com | Come Walk With Me |
| Andrew Mount | Come Walk With Me |
17:25 – Barberstown Castle Novice Chase (Grade 1)
Race Details: 2m | | Going: YIELDING, Good to yielding in places on Cross Country Chase (Watering) | | jumps
This is a small-field Grade 1, but not a bad one at all, because it revolves around a proper class act in Kopek Des Bordes and a handful of rivals who all bring some sort of credible chasing profile. Irish Panther has already shown he can be competitive at a decent level over fences, while Jacob’s Ladder arrives with progressive-looking form for Gordon Elliott. Salvator Mundi adds depth from the Mullins yard, and Pure Steel is the outsider with something to prove after that latest mishap. Tactically, with only five runners, this could easily turn into a race decided by sharp jumping and who handles the tempo best rather than pure stamina. Even so, the shape of it is fairly straightforward: if Kopek Des Bordes jumps cleanly, the others may just be running for second.
Top Selections
1. Kopek Des Bordes – 4/11 with Betfair
Jockey: Paul Townend | Trainer: W P Mullins | Form: 114-12 | Rating: 169 | Topspeed: 154
He sets a clear standard on the figures and, in truth, on what he’s shown on the track as well. A mark of 169 in a novice chase tells its own story, and that Topspeed of 154 is comfortably the best in the line-up. The form string reads like that of a horse who has already mixed it at a high level, and this sharp 2m on yielding ground should be right in his wheelhouse if he gets into a nice rhythm. Paul Townend aboard for Willie Mullins in a Punchestown Grade 1 is hardly the combination to get cute and oppose, and even at 4/11 he’s hard to pick holes in. In a race lacking depth behind him, he simply looks the most likely winner by some margin.
Bet: WIN
Betting Strategy
Keep it simple: Kopek Des Bordes is the win bet and the obvious one. In a five-runner race, there is no each-way angle worth forcing, especially with only two places on offer and a short-priced favourite dominating the market. If you’re looking for the main danger, Jacob’s Ladder and Irish Panther make the most appeal, but both need the favourite to underperform.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irish Panther | 6/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 5/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Kopek Des Bordes | 1/3 | 4/11 | 4/11 | 4/11 | 4/11 | 4/11 (Betfair) |
| Pure Steel | 12/1 | 17/2 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Salvator Mundi | 11/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Sam Hardy | Kopek Des Bordes |
| Steve Mullington | Kopek Des Bordes |
| Lee Sobot | Kopek Des Bordes |
| Ratings Hub | Kopek Des Bordes |
| bettinggods.com | Kopek Des Bordes |
18:05 – Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1)
Race Details: 2m 7f | | Going: YIELDING, Good to yielding in places on Cross Country Chase (Watering) | | jumps
This is a compact but classy staying hurdle, and the market has understandably centred on Teahupoo, who brings the standout rating into the race and is the one they all have to knock off his perch. He wasn’t at his very best when last seen, but his peak form still towers over most of these. Bob Olinger adds a fascinating angle if stamina and class can compensate for age, while Gordon Elliott also fields the younger Honesty Policy, who is beginning to look like a proper player at this level. Willie Mullins has two lively contenders in Jimmy Du Seuil and Kawaboomga, both with enough upside to threaten if the race gets tactical. It’s a strong Grade 1 on paper rather than an impossible puzzle, but there is just enough depth to make taking short odds a serious question.
Top Selections
1. Teahupoo – 2/1 with Betfair
Jockey: Jack Kennedy | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Form: 21-116 | Rating: 170 | Topspeed: 152
Teahupoo is the obvious starting point and, to be fair, the obvious answer as well. A mark of 170 puts him clear on the figures and his staying hurdle form sets the standard in this field. The recent 6 tempers enthusiasm slightly, but one below-par effort doesn’t suddenly erase what he has done in this division. Jack Kennedy knows him inside out, Gordon Elliott targets these races relentlessly, and Punchestown on yielding ground should hold no fears. At 2/1 he is not exactly a giveaway, but in a race lacking loads of rock-solid alternatives, he still looks the likeliest winner and is hard to oppose. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Honesty Policy – 11/2 with Betfair
Jockey: Harry Cobden | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Form: 12-353 | Rating: 161 | Topspeed: 152
Honesty Policy appeals as the each-way angle in a race where a few of these are priced purely on reputation. He’s a six-year-old with a bit more scope than some of the exposed stayers and his mark of 161 says he is not turning up here just to make up the numbers. The recent form figures don’t scream superstar, but they do show consistency in good company, and there’s a fair chance this trip around Punchestown can bring out a little more. Harry Cobden is an eye-catching booking and 11/2 looks a workable price for a horse who can easily hit the frame if the favourite runs his race and one or two of the Mullins pair fail to progress. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Keep it straightforward: Teahupoo is the win bet because he owns the best piece of form and the best rating in the field. For an each-way punt, Honesty Policy makes more appeal than the shorter-priced alternatives, especially with three places on offer. Bob Olinger and Jimmy Du Seuil look the main dangers if the race turns tactical or the favourite underperforms again.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Olinger | 7/2 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 11/4 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
| Franciscan Rock | 40/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Honesty Policy | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 (Betfair) |
| Jimmy Du Seuil | 11/2 | 5/1 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Kawaboomga | 4/1 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 10/3 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Meet And Greet | 125/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 125/1 (Bet365) |
| Teahupoo | 7/4 | 2/1 | 15/8 | 15/8 | 2/1 | 2/1 (Betfair) |
| Jetara | 40/1 | 30/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 (Paddy Power) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Luke Tucker | Jimmy Du Seuil |
| Dean Kilbryde | Teahupoo |
| The Punt | Teahupoo |
18:35 – JP & M Doyle (C & G) INH Flat Race
Race Details: 2m | | Going: YIELDING, Good to yielding in places on Cross Country Chase (Watering) | | jumps
This looks a deep enough Punchestown bumper for the time of year, with several lightly raced winners bringing proper substance rather than just promise. Quiryn heads the market for Willie Mullins after a win and a respectable sixth, while stablemate Look Me already has a solid body of work and sets a fair standard on ratings and topspeed figures. Gordon Elliott saddles Soul Asylum and Bon Bon Fizz, both with obvious claims if taking another step forward, and Outofafrika is another progressive sort who arrives off back-to-back wins. It is not an easy race to bully from the front on reputation alone, and with 11 runners there should be no hiding place. Class and experience ought to matter most, but there is enough depth here to make this a proper betting puzzle.
Top Selections
1. Quiryn – 7/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Mr P W Mullins | Trainer: W P Mullins | Form: 16 | Rating: 126 | Topspeed: 121
Quiryn is hard to oppose on the balance of what we know. That debut win marked him down as a useful 4yo, and although beaten into sixth next time, this sort of race at Punchestown is often where Mullins runners bounce back and show their true level. He has the best topspeed figure in the field, a lofty rating for one with only two starts, and Paul Townend may be elsewhere but Patrick Mullins in these bumpers is hardly a negative. At 7/4 he is no giveaway, but he still looks the most likely winner if returning to the level of his debut success. Bet: WIN
2. Outofafrika – 7/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Mr D G Lavery | Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Form: 51 | Rating: 123 | Topspeed: 98
Outofafrika makes plenty of each-way appeal in a race where the Mullins pair dominate the conversation. He improved from his debut to win next time, and that form line at least says he is learning quickly rather than standing still. A mark of 123 puts him right in the mix, and Cromwell’s bumper horses are rarely undercooked when sent into a festival card like this. The 7/1 on offer looks fair because he does not need masses of progress to get on the podium, and if the principals underperform he is the type to pick up the pieces late. Bet: EACH-WAY
Danger: Look Me looks the obvious threat after a consistent start to his career and has the profile of one who should be thereabouts again.
Betting Strategy
Quiryn is the straight win play, as he has the strongest raw numbers and comes from the yard most likely to land a race of this type. For an each-way punt, Outofafrika makes more appeal than some of the shorter-priced alternatives because he is progressive and solid enough to make the frame. Look Me is the one I would fear most if siding against the market leader.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bon Bon Fizz | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Betfair) |
| Look Me | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
| Outofafrika | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
| Soul Asylum | 5/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Cowboy Casanova | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Highlander Addict | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
| Adaboy Mushy | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| Our Trigger | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Quiryn | 7/4 | 7/4 | 7/4 | 7/4 | 7/4 | 7/4 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Mercury | Quiryn |
Punchestown Course Specialists
Horses To Note
The top course performers among today’s runners:
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Steel | 3 | 2 | 66.67% | 66.67% |
| Teahupoo | 4 | 2 | 50% | 50% |
| Busselton | 5 | 2 | 40% | 80% |
| Buachaillbocht | 6 | 2 | 33.33% | 33.33% |
| Shannon Royale | 6 | 2 | 33.33% | 66.67% |
Jockeys To Note
The pilots with the strongest records at the course:
| Jockey | Rides | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mr P W Mullins | 331 | 92 | 27.79% | 59.52% |
| Paul Townend | 652 | 174 | 26.69% | 61.35% |
| Mr J M Halford | 12 | 3 | 25% | 41.67% |
| Harry Bannister | 4 | 1 | 25% | 25% |
| James Bowen | 11 | 2 | 18.18% | 54.55% |
Trainers To Note
Yards that have done well at Punchestown:
| Trainer | Runners | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William Harvey | 4 | 1 | 25% | 25% |
| W P Mullins | 2011 | 483 | 24.02% | 56.09% |
| Harry Derham | 11 | 2 | 18.18% | 54.55% |
| Emmet Mullins | 101 | 15 | 14.85% | 43.56% |
| E Bolger | 282 | 39 | 13.83% | 58.16% |
Summary & Best Bets
That wraps up our Punchestown racing tips for Thursday 30th April 2026. We’ve covered all 8 races with our top selections highlighted above. Use the betting strategies as a starting point, always shop around for the best odds, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
FAQ
What time does racing start at Punchestown today?
The first race at Punchestown on Thursday 30th April 2026 goes off at 14:30, with 8 races scheduled in total.
What is the going at Punchestown today?
The going at Punchestown is reported as YIELDING, Good to yielding in places on Cross Country Chase (Watering).
How many races are at Punchestown today?
There are 8 races on the card at Punchestown today, running from 14:30 through to 18:35.
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