The declarations for Punchestown Festival Day 1 are confirmed. The William Hill Champion Chase on Tuesday April 28 at 6:00pm is a six-runner field of the highest quality assembled in a two-mile chase in 2026. Marine Nationale, who won the Cheltenham Champion Chase by 18 lengths, takes on Fact To File, who won the Cheltenham Ryanair Chase by 9 lengths — dropping back to two miles over fences for the first time.
The Six Confirmed Runners
Marine Nationale — Willie Mullins. Won the Cheltenham Champion Chase, bolting 18 lengths clear of Jonbon. The defending Punchestown Champion Chase holder. Arrives having produced the most dominant two-mile chase performance of the spring season.
Fact To File — Willie Mullins. Won the Cheltenham Ryanair Chase by 9 lengths. Drops back from two and a half miles to two miles over fences for the first time. Has previously shown brilliance at the shorter trip over hurdles but faces a new question over fences at this distance.
Captain Guinness — Henry de Bromhead. Won the Punchestown Champion Chase in 2024. Rachael Blackmore rides. A former champion at this specific race and track, returning to conditions he has already proved he can handle.
El Fabiolo — Willie Mullins. Fell in the Melling Chase at Aintree. Last seen falling — connections clearly believe the fall was an incident rather than a form concern, entering him for a Grade 1 six days later.
Senecia — Vincent Halley. Beat El Fabiolo in the Webster Cup at Navan in March. Described as a "giant killer" by Racing Post — the outsider who beat one of Mullins's key two-mile chasers.
Solness — dual Grade 1 winner. Completes a six-runner field of rare depth for a two-mile championship chase.
The Central Question
Fact To File dropping to two miles over fences for the first time is the most interesting variable in the race. He has already shown he handles the shorter trip brilliantly over hurdles. The question is whether his jumping technique — so effective at two and a half miles in the Ryanair — is equally effective at the pace a two-mile championship chase demands. Marine Nationale's 18-length Cheltenham win established him as one of the best two-mile chasers in a generation. Fact To File needs to produce something new to beat him.
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Facts verified via web search April 23 2026. Source: Racing Post declarations confirmed April 23 2026.