The Punchestown Festival is not just the season's conclusion. It is the starting point for the following season's ante-post markets. Every Grade 1 winner at the festival goes into the summer as a horse with a specific profile and a specific set of options for 2026-27. After Day 1, here are the names to note.
Il Etait Temps — The Established Champion
Il Etait Temps won the Cheltenham Champion Chase and the Punchestown Champion Chase. He is now the unchallenged two-mile chase champion of the British and Irish season. Into 2026-27 he defends both titles as the horse to beat. His record at Punchestown — Grade 1 winner on both visits — and his Cheltenham dominance make him the most obvious bet in both ante-post markets for next spring. He is eight years old — at the peak of his career.
Western Fold — The 18/1 Novice Chase Shock
Gordon Elliott's 18/1 winner in the Champion Novice Chase is the novice chaser to follow into next season. A horse that wins a Grade 1 at the highest level of the novice chase division at its first attempt at the trip has demonstrated specific jumping ability and stamina that will be tested at Grade 1 level throughout next season. Kitzbuhel's pulled-up run creates questions about his future, while Western Fold arrives into 2026-27 as the season's confirmed novice chase champion.
Eachtotheirown — The 16/1 Novice Hurdle Winner
Eachtotheirown won the Champion Novice Hurdle but the Racing Post's caution about the race's slow time is worth applying. The field finished eight seconds slower than the Listed handicap hurdle run earlier in the afternoon. That equates to approximately 36 lengths — a significant performance query that means the form should not be taken at face value until subsequent runs validate it. Note the name but apply appropriate scepticism to his novice chase campaign next season until the form is proven.
Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior
Tonight's Gold Cup settles which of the two Mullins staying chasers heads into next season with the upper hand at Punchestown. The winner of tonight's race goes into 2026-27 carrying the status of Gold Cup and Punchestown double holder. The loser carries the status of Gold Cup winner who lost the Punchestown rematch. Both will be major players in next season's Leopardstown, Cheltenham and Punchestown programmes.
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Facts verified via web search April 29 2026.