Punchestown Race 4 - PRL Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)
SOBER (8) brings a strong profile, having won four straight before a midfield finish in a deep Cheltenham Grade 1 last start, and is proven at Punchestown. KOKTAIL BRUT (5) is a key danger after a dominant 9.5L win in the Fairyhouse Grade 2 last time. LE LABO (6) also comes off a last-start win in the Naas Grade 3, narrowly defeating BLAKE (1), who was runner-up there and has placed in two of his last four. FREE SPIRIT (4) was third to Sober at Punchestown two back and has solid French form. EACHTOTHEIROWN (2) is a dual winner this season but was well beaten at Cheltenham. These runners shape as the main chances.

Jockey: Donagh Meyler
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Runner-up two starts back at Naas in a Grade 3 over 3289m, beaten 0.3L by Le Labo at $2.10. Last start failed to finish at Fairyhouse in a Grade 2 on soft ground. Won at Down Royal three runs ago over a similar trip. Capable of featuring if back to best.
Last Starts 23 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99/7 | 05/04/2026 | - | Grade 2 | $60,000.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | SOFT | Donagh Meyler | 72kg | - | - | 0 |
| 999L | $5.00 |
| 2/5 | 08/03/2026 | - | Grade 3 | $42,000.00 | Naas | 3289m | SOFT | Sam Ewing | 70.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 0.3L | $2.10 |
| 5/12 | 01/02/2026 | - | Grade 1 | $150,000.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | HEAVY | Donagh Meyler | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 8.6L | $19.00 |
| 2/8 | 30/11/2025 | - | Grade 2 | $84,999.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | SOFT | Donagh Meyler | 72kg | - | - | 0 |
| 0.2L | $9.00 |
| 1/12 | 01/11/2025 | - | Div 2 | $9,999.00 | Down Royal | 3392m | YD(GD/YD PL) | Donagh Meyler | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 4.75L | $2.75 |
| 1/15 | 19/10/2025 | - | Premier Handicap | $45,001.00 | Leopardstown | 2414m | HEAVY | Christopher D Hayes | 60.5kg | - | - | 8 |
| 3.25L | $17.00 |
| 2/19 | 20/03/2025 | - | 4Y MDN HURDLE | $12,000.00 | Cork | 3355m | GOOD | Donagh Meyler | 73kg | - | - | 0 |
| 6.5L | $3.75 |
| 6/15 | 11/10/2024 | - | Heritage Handicap | $98,370.00 | Newmarket | 2414m | GOOD | Ryan Kavanagh | 54kg | - | 15-13-14-13-13-12-11-10 | 13 |
| 11.75L | $22.00 |
| 5/10 | 12/09/2024 | - | CL2 | $68,859.00 | Doncaster | 2050m | GOOD | Billy Loughnane | 58kg | - | 4-4-3-3-3-3-3-3 | 1 |
| 1.7L | $7.50 |
| 1/8 | 06/07/2024 | - | CL4 | $19,674.00 | Sandown | 2001m | SOFT | Billy Loughnane | 61kg | - | 4-2-2-2-2-2-2-1 | 11 |
| - | $6.50 |
| 4/12 | 01/06/2024 | - | CL2 | $73,778.00 | Epsom | 2027m | GOOD | Rhys Clutterbuck | 55.5kg | - | - | 9 |
| 5.35L | $15.00 |
| 1/9 | 23/05/2024 | - | CL4 | $11,312.00 | Sandown | 1609m | SOFT | Luke Morris | 58kg | - | - | 3 |
| 0.2L | $10.00 |
| 2/4 | 02/05/2024 | - | Rnd | $8,264.00 | Doncaster | 1602m | GOOD | Callum Hutchinson | 59.5kg | - | 1-1-1-1-1-1-2-2 | 1 |
| 2.25L | $3.40 |
| 3/11 | 21/03/2024 | - | GBB Race | $0.00 | Southwell | 1621m | GOOD | Luke Morris | 55kg | - | 6-6-6-4-4-3-3-3 | 5 |
| 3.55L | $7.00 |
| 3/9 | 18/10/2023 | - | GBB Race | $0.00 | Kempton | 1609m | SOFT | Oisin Murphy | 58kg | - | - | 4 |
| 0.6L | $4.40 |
| 5/11 | 27/09/2023 | - | GBB Race | $0.00 | Kempton | 1609m | GOOD | Robert Havlin | 59.5kg | - | - | 7 |
| 4.2L | $9.00 |

Jockey: Sean Flanagan
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start finished 10th of 11 at Cheltenham over 3298m in a Grade 1, beaten 22.6L at $41. Won two starts back at Thurles over 3171m on soft going by 9L at $3.25. Has two wins from four runs this season and steps up slightly in trip. Capable of better and can feature with a return to recent winning form.
Last Starts 49 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/11 | 10/03/2026 | - | Grade 1 | $147,555.00 | Cheltenham | 3298m | GOOD | Sean Flanagan | 73kg | - | - | 0 |
| 22.6L | $41.00 |
| 1/13 | 18/01/2026 | - | 4UP HCP HDL | $15,999.00 | Thurles | 3171m | SOFT | Sean Flanagan | 74.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 9L | $3.25 |
| 5/8 | 30/11/2025 | - | Grade 2 | $84,999.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | SOFT | Sean Flanagan | 72kg | - | - | 0 |
| 20.45L | $8.50 |
| 1/15 | 25/10/2025 | - | 5UP MDN HURDLE | $12,501.00 | Galway | 3300m | SOFT | Sean Flanagan | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 3L | $2.50 |
| 2/10 | 22/02/2025 | - | Pro/Am | $9,999.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | SOFT | Fred Maguire | 76.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 7.5L | $5.00 |
| 2/8 | 18/01/2025 | - | Pro/Am | $10,000.00 | Navan | 3218m | SOFT | Fred Maguire | 76.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 0.5L | $2.50 |

Jockey: Jack Kennedy
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start finished 5th of 11 at Cheltenham over 3298m in a Grade 1 on 10 Mar, beaten 9.05L at $8.50 behind Old Park Star. Won impressively at Thurles two runs back over 3181m on heavy ground by 3L at $1.20. Also placed 2nd at Punchestown last season. Capable of featuring with the right run.
Last Starts 49 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/11 | 10/03/2026 | - | Grade 1 | $147,555.00 | Cheltenham | 3298m | GOOD | Jack Kennedy | 73kg | - | - | 0 |
| 9.05L | $8.50 |
| 1/18 | 29/01/2026 | - | 5UP MDN HURDLE | $9,999.00 | Thurles | 3181m | HEAVY | Jack Kennedy | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 3L | $1.20 |
| 99/22 | 26/12/2025 | - | 5UP MDN HURDLE | $15,000.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | SOFT | Jack Kennedy | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 999L | $1.50 |
| 2/12 | 01/05/2025 | - | C & G | $17,501.00 | Punchestown | 3304m | SOFT | David Maxwell | 76.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 1.5L | $5.50 |
| 5/17 | 12/03/2025 | - | Standard Open NH Flat Race | $78,696.00 | Cheltenham | 3298m | GOOD | David Maxwell | 73kg | - | 12-8-8-6-8-5-5 | 0 |
| 4.95L | $29.00 |
| 1/6 | 07/11/2024 | - | GBB Race | $6,886.00 | Newbury | 3281m | GOOD | David Maxwell | 70kg | - | 5-5-5-5-2-1-1 | 0 |
| 6.5L | $4.20 |

Jockey: Brian Hayes
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start finished 14th of 21 at Cheltenham over 4224m in a Grade 1 on 11 Mar, beaten 22.25L with 73kg at $81. Prior run was 3rd of 3 at Punchestown over 3330m in a Grade 2, beaten 6L at $5.50. Won at Dieppe three starts ago over 3399m on soft ground. Can feature with a return to best form.
Last Starts 48 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14/21 | 11/03/2026 | - | Grade 1 | $147,555.00 | Cheltenham | 4224m | GOOD | Mark P Walsh | 73kg | - | - | 0 |
| 22.25L | $81.00 |
| 3/3 | 11/01/2026 | - | Grade 2 | $37,501.00 | Punchestown | 3330m | SOFT | Danny Mullins | 72kg | - | - | 0 |
| 6L | $5.50 |
| 1/10 | 04/06/2025 | - | 4Y CL3 HURDLE | $35,335.00 | Dieppe | 3399m | SOFT | Leo Paul Brechet | 71kg | - | - | 1 |
| 0.2L | $6.00 |
| 2/7 | 24/10/2024 | - | 3Y C&G MDN HURDLE | $59,210.00 | Auteuil | 3600m | SOFT5 | Lucas Zuliani | 67kg | 04:25.86 | - | 2 |
| 7.5L | $17.00 |

Jockey: Danny Gilligan
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start won the Grade 2 at Fairyhouse over 3218m by 9.5L on soft going, defeating Ebony King, with 74.5kg at $7.50. Prior to that, finished 8th in a Grade 1 at Cheltenham and 4th in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown. Has won three of six this season and is unbeaten first-up. In strong form and can feature again.
Last Starts 23 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/7 | 05/04/2026 | - | Grade 2 | $60,000.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | SOFT | Jack Kennedy | 74.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 9.5L | $7.50 |
| 8/11 | 10/03/2026 | - | Grade 1 | $147,555.00 | Cheltenham | 3298m | GOOD | Danny Gilligan | 73kg | - | - | 0 |
| 13.35L | $34.00 |
| 4/12 | 01/02/2026 | - | Grade 1 | $150,000.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | HEAVY | Danny Gilligan | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 6.6L | $12.00 |
| 7/8 | 27/12/2025 | - | Grade 1 | $99,999.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | SOFT | Danny Gilligan | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 82.25L | $5.00 |
| 1/8 | 30/11/2025 | - | Grade 2 | $84,999.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | SOFT | Jack Kennedy | 72kg | - | - | 0 |
| 0.2L | $1.60 |
| 1/21 | 13/11/2025 | - | 4yo+ | $12,000.00 | Punchestown | 3188m | HEAVY | Danny Gilligan | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 9L | $1.91 |
| 5/12 | 01/05/2025 | - | C & G | $17,501.00 | Punchestown | 3304m | SOFT | Harry Swan | 76.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 10.05L | $10.00 |
| 3/15 | 05/04/2025 | - | Grade 2 | $49,185.00 | Aintree | 3409m | GOOD | Harry Swan | 72kg | - | 5-5-5-4-3-3-3 | 0 |
| 7L | $6.00 |
| 4/9 | 01/02/2025 | - | C & G | $99,999.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | SOFT | B Oneill | 74.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 2L | $15.00 |
| 4/5 | 29/12/2024 | - | 4UP | $20,000.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | GOOD | Harry Swan | 76.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 4.25L | $2.10 |
| 1/7 | 01/12/2024 | - | Pro/Am | $10,000.00 | Fairyhouse | 3319m | SOFT | Harry Swan | 73.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 7L | $2.90 |

Jockey: Mr J L Gleeson
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start won the Grade 3 at Naas over 3289m on 8 Mar by 0.3L with 70.5kg on soft going at $7, defeating Blake. Has won two of his last five starts, including a strong win at Thurles last March. Carries 75.5kg here, up 5kg from last start. In with a chance if holding form.
Last Starts 51 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/5 | 08/03/2026 | - | Grade 3 | $42,000.00 | Naas | 3289m | SOFT | J L Gleeson | 70.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 0.3L | $7.00 |
| 99/19 | 07/12/2025 | - | Div 2 | $12,501.00 | Cork | 3401m | SOFT | J L Gleeson | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 999L | $6.50 |
| 99/16 | 20/11/2025 | - | Q.R. | $9,999.00 | Thurles | 3172m | SOFT | J L Gleeson | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 999L | $3.50 |
| 13/15 | 05/04/2025 | - | Grade 2 | $49,185.00 | Aintree | 3409m | GOOD | J L Gleeson | 72kg | - | 10-10-10-9-13-13-13 | 0 |
| 62.15L | $5.00 |
| 1/18 | 06/03/2025 | - | 5yo+ | $9,999.00 | Thurles | 3141m | GOOD | J L Gleeson | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 1.5L | $5.00 |

Jockey: Sam Ewing
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Won back-to-back starts at Leopardstown and Fairyhouse late last year, including a Grade 1 win over Carrigmoornaspruce. Last start pulled up in a Grade 1 at Cheltenham 48 days ago when well in the market at $9. Steps back in trip and rises 2.5kg. Capable of bouncing back to form.
Last Starts 48 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99/21 | 11/03/2026 | - | Grade 1 | $147,555.00 | Cheltenham | 4224m | GOOD | Danny Gilligan | 73kg | - | - | 0 |
| 999L | $9.00 |
| 1/8 | 27/12/2025 | - | Grade 1 | $99,999.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | SOFT | Jack Kennedy | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 5L | $4.00 |
| 1/24 | 29/11/2025 | - | 4yo+ | $12,000.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | SOFT | Jack Kennedy | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 21L | $1.80 |
| 2/20 | 08/11/2025 | - | 5UP MDN HDL | $15,000.00 | Gowran Park | 3236m | HEAVY | Jack Kennedy | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 2.25L | $3.75 |
| 4/9 | 11/01/2025 | - | Pro/Am | $10,000.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | SOFT | Harry Swan | 76.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 2.65L | $2.80 |

Jockey: Paul Townend
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start failed to finish at Fairyhouse in a Grade 2 over 3218m on 5 Apr at $7. Ran 6th in a Grade 1 at Cheltenham prior, beaten 11.3L at $51. Won at Punchestown two starts back over 3218m by 2.5L. Capable of better and can feature with a return to form.
Last Starts 23 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99/7 | 05/04/2026 | - | Grade 2 | $60,000.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | SOFT | Danny Mullins | 72kg | - | - | 0 |
| 999L | $7.00 |
| 6/11 | 10/03/2026 | - | Grade 1 | $147,555.00 | Cheltenham | 3298m | GOOD | Paul Townend | 73kg | - | - | 0 |
| 11.3L | $51.00 |
| 1/15 | 04/02/2026 | - | 4UP MDN HURDLE | $12,000.00 | Punchestown | 3218m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 2.5L | $2.25 |
| 24/30 | 28/09/2025 | - | 0-110 | $579,001.00 | Curragh | 3374m | SOFT | J M Sheridan | 58kg | - | - | 13 |
| 22.6L | $15.00 |
| 3/17 | 13/09/2025 | - | Premier Handicap | $150,000.00 | Leopardstown | 2615m | GOOD | J M Sheridan | 57kg | - | - | 14 |
| 1.95L | $9.50 |
| 12/20 | 28/07/2025 | - | Q.R. | $109,998.00 | Galway | 3382m | GOOD | P W Mullins | 73.5kg | - | - | 20 |
| 12.45L | $4.50 |
| 2/25 | 29/06/2025 | - | 4yo+ | $49,998.00 | Curragh | 3218m | GOOD | William T Buick | 58.5kg | - | - | 11 |
| 1.25L | $3.25 |
| 5/12 | 03/05/2025 | - | Grade 1 | $125,000.00 | Punchestown | 3218m | SOFT | H Cobden | 70kg | - | - | 0 |
| 29.75L | $10.00 |
| 7/17 | 14/03/2025 | - | Grade 1 | $147,555.00 | Cheltenham | 3382m | GOOD | Harry Cobden | 71kg | - | 12-12-12-11-8-8-7 | 0 |
| 14.55L | $51.00 |
| 4/10 | 07/09/2024 | - | CL2 | $98,370.00 | Haydock | 2817m | GOOD | Jim Crowley | 60.5kg | - | 4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4 | 3 |
| 3.05L | $7.00 |
| 8/16 | 24/08/2024 | - | Heritage Handicap | $167,229.00 | York | 2787m | GOOD | Jim Crowley | 56kg | - | 7-8-8-8-8-7-7-7 | 6 |
| 9.35L | $8.50 |
| 2/13 | 06/07/2024 | - | CL2 | $98,370.00 | Haydock | 2817m | GOOD | James Doyle | 58kg | - | 7-7-7-7-8-8-8-8 | 9 |
| 1.5L | $9.50 |
| 3/11 | 16/06/2024 | - | CL3 | $29,511.00 | Thirsk | 2421m | GOOD | Benoit De La Sayette | 60kg | - | - | 6 |
| 2.45L | $4.00 |
| 1/8 | 11/05/2024 | - | CL3 | $24,593.00 | Ascot | 2004m | GOOD | Benoit De La Sayette | 56kg | - | 5-4-4-4-4-3-4-3 | 5 |
| - | $8.00 |
| 3/12 | 13/03/2024 | - | GBB Race | $0.00 | Kempton | 1609m | SOFT | David Probert | 57kg | - | - | 9 |
| 1.55L | $16.00 |
| 8/17 | 28/09/2023 | - | CL4 | $0.00 | Newmarket | 1609m | GOOD | Benoit De La Sayette | 58kg | - | - | 8 |
| 12.95L | $151.00 |
| 6/9 | 05/09/2023 | - | GBB Race | $0.00 | Goodwood | 1609m | GOOD | Daniel Muscutt | 60.5kg | - | - | 4 |
| 11.1L | $51.00 |