The feature race on Thursday at the Punchestown Festival is the Stayers Hurdle. With familiar faces reviving their rivalries, it looks one of the more open championships of the week.

GG tipster Joe Napier previews the race and sides with an admirable veteran to get the job done.

2026 Punchestown Stayers Hurdle Runners 

The hat-trick seeking Teahupoo has a great record at Punchestown. He was a beaten favourite in this in 2023 before winning for the past two seasons. The nine-year-old arrives under a cloud though, having been well-held when sixth in Cheltenham’s Stayers’ Hurdle. He usually goes well fresh and Gordon Elliott is evidently slightly perplexed: cheekpieces go on to help.

Teahupoo still equals the highest standard in this race though this should be a stronger renewal than the last two. Bob Olinger also runs for Robcour. The 11-year-old races less frequently now, but after chasing home Teahupoo at Leopardstown after a layoff, he easily beat his ownermate at Cheltenham. That third-placed effort defending his title was game and looks good in the context of this equivalent contest.

The JP McManus-owned duo of Honesty Policy and Kawaboomga are both only six-year-olds. It is ten years since a horse of that age won, but both are progressing. You feel the former needs one more season to reach the top level, but did finish a close second in a course and distance novice Grade 1 last term. The latter could be anything stepping up to this trip for the first time.

Kawaboomga’s fellow Closutton-based contender Jimmy Du Seuil reverts to hurdles. Willie Mullins may have seen enough over fences, but his win in the Coral Cup last season was dominant. He could have more to offer over timber.

All of Franciscan Rock, Jetara and Meet And Greet have sporadically showed up well in Grade 1 company. Jetara was third in this a year ago, but has lost her way. The trio all need to show their very best to have even a squeak of a place this time around.

2026 Punchestown Stayers Hurdle Racecard

2026 Punchestown Stayers Hurdle Trends 

Here are four key trends to consult when looking for the winner of the 2026 Punchestown Stayers Hurdle.

• Teahupoo has won the last two renewals
• Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott have won six of the last seven runnings
• The last four favourites have been victorious
• Those four favourites had all run in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham

2026 Punchestown Stayers Hurdle Tips 

Teahupoo seeks a hat-trick in this race, but the application of cheekpieces is a concern after his Cheltenham flop. Similarly, this is a more competitive renewal than the last two. While two years older than Gordon Elliott’s charge, Bob Olinger arrives in better shape having finished third in defence of his Cheltenham Stayers’ crown. He has not run in this race previously, but has had no issues going right-handed in the past. Some younger legs also look dangerous, with Jimmy Du Seuil most interesting back over hurdles.

FAQ

When and where is the Punchestown Stayers Hurdle run?

The Punchestown Stayers Hurdle will take place at Punchestown racecourse on Thursday 30 April, 2026 at 6.05pm.

How can I watch the Punchestown Stayers Hurdle on Thursday?

The Punchestown Stayers Hurdle is live on Racing TV at 6.05pm on Thursday.

When were the Punchestown Stayers Hurdle tips published?

The tips for the Punchestown Stayers Hurdle were published at 1.45pm on Wednesday 29 April.

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