Punchestown Race 7 - William Hill Champion Chase (Grade 1)
MARINE NATIONALE (5) returns to Punchestown where he won this race last year over 3308m and has finished runner-up in both starts this season, including a 2nd at Leopardstown in Grade 1 company. IL ETAIT TEMPS (3) comes off a dominant 10L win in the Cheltenham Grade 1 and has won four of his last five. ENERGUMENE (2) was a strong last-start winner at Fairyhouse in Grade 2 company, defeating BLOOD DESTINY (1) by 6L. MAJBOROUGH (4) won the Leopardstown Grade 1 two starts back, beating Marine Nationale, but was well beaten at Cheltenham last time. The main chances are Marine Nationale, Il Etait Temps, Energumene, and Majborough, all with proven top-level form.

Jockey: Brian Hayes
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start 2nd of 6 at Fairyhouse over 3986m in a Grade 2 on 6 Apr, beaten 6L by Energumene on soft going with 73kg at $8. Won the start prior at Naas over 3218m in a Grade 3 by 4.75L with 70.5kg at $2.50. Carries 75.5kg here and has been consistent this season. Can feature with the right run.
Last Starts 22 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/6 | 06/04/2026 | - | Grade 2 | $99,999.00 | Fairyhouse | 3986m | SOFT | Brian Hayes | 73kg | - | - | 0 |
| 6L | $8.00 |
| 1/5 | 22/02/2026 | - | Grade 3 | $37,501.00 | Naas | 3218m | HEAVY | Paul Townend | 70.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 4.75L | $2.50 |
| 99/12 | 14/01/2026 | - | Grade 3 | $99,999.00 | Fairyhouse | 3447m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 999L | $5.00 |
| 3/5 | 04/10/2025 | - | Grade 2 | $45,001.00 | Gowran Park | 4023m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 72.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 6.5L | $3.50 |
| 2/4 | 03/08/2025 | - | 5UP CHASE | $25,000.00 | Galway | 4527m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 71.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 4L | $1.73 |
| 1/5 | 02/06/2025 | - | 5UP CHASE | $16,998.00 | Listowel | 3822m | GOOD | Paul Townend | 71kg | - | - | 0 |
| 11L | $1.13 |
| 2/7 | 12/05/2025 | - | Grade 3 | $37,501.00 | Killarney | 4114m | GOOD | Paul Townend | 72.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 2L | $3.00 |
| 3/7 | 21/04/2025 | - | Grade 2 | $99,999.00 | Fairyhouse | 3977m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 73kg | - | - | 0 |
| 7.25L | $4.00 |
| 3/7 | 19/01/2025 | - | Grade 2 | $45,001.00 | Thurles | 4196m | GOOD | Paul Townend | 72.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 8.5L | $2.80 |
| 99/17 | 02/05/2024 | - | listed | $50,000.00 | Punchestown | 3268m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 999L | $2.90 |
| 3/7 | 31/03/2024 | - | Grade 1 | $0.00 | Fairyhouse | 4023m | HEAVY | Paul Townend | 75.5kg | - | - | 1 |
| 3.25L | $2.60 |
| 1/4 | 02/03/2024 | - | Grade 3 | $0.00 | Navan | 3218m | HEAVY | Paul Townend | 70.5kg | - | - | 2 |
| 6.5L | $1.73 |
| 2/6 | 14/01/2024 | - | grade 3 | $0.00 | Punchestown | 3955m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 69kg | - | - | 5 |
| 2L | $1.40 |
| 1/4 | 14/12/2023 | - | $0.00 | Naas | 4049m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 71.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 9L | $1.91 | |
| 2/6 | 10/04/2023 | - | Grade 2 | $0.00 | Fairyhouse | 3219m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 70kg | - | - | 1 |
| 3L | $1.73 |
| 9/15 | 17/03/2023 | - | 1 | $136,939.00 | Cheltenham | 3382m | SOFT | P W Mullins | 71kg | - | - | 0 |
| 26.8L | $3.80 |
| 1/7 | 14/01/2023 | - | Hurdle | $18,500.00 | Fairyhouse | 3219m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 72kg | - | - | 0 |
| 18L | $1.55 |
| 1/20 | 11/12/2022 | - | Hurdle | $12,501.00 | Cork | 3387m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 70kg | - | - | 0 |
| 5L | $1.57 |
| 2/11 | 03/04/2022 | - | $52,000.00 | Auteuil | 3000m | SOFT | Clément Lefebvre | 66.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 3.5L | $19.00 |

Jockey: Danny Mullins
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Returned to form last start with a dominant 6L win at Fairyhouse over 3986m in Grade 2 company on soft going, starting at $3.25. Prior to that, finished 4th at Leopardstown in a Grade 1, beaten 19.7L by Majborough at $13. Has an outstanding Punchestown record with 3 wins from 3 starts. Can feature with a repeat of his latest effort.
Last Starts 22 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/6 | 06/04/2026 | - | Grade 2 | $99,999.00 | Fairyhouse | 3986m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 74.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 6L | $3.25 |
| 4/6 | 01/02/2026 | - | Grade 1 | $150,000.00 | Leopardstown | 3419m | HEAVY | Paul Townend | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 19.7L | $13.00 |
| 3/5 | 07/12/2025 | - | Grade 2 | $97,999.00 | Cork | 3401m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 74.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 9L | $4.50 |
| 3/7 | 26/04/2025 | - | Grade 1 | $172,148.00 | Sandown | 3108m | GOOD | Paul Townend | 74.5kg | - | 2-2-2-2-3-3-3 | 0 |
| 15L | $6.50 |
| 99/8 | 12/03/2025 | - | Grade 1 | $393,480.00 | Cheltenham | 3199m | GOOD | Paul Townend | 74.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 999L | $7.00 |
| 2/4 | 18/01/2025 | - | Grade 1 | $172,148.00 | Ascot | 3371m | GOOD | Paul Townend | 74.5kg | - | 2-2-2-2-2-2-2 | 0 |
| 6.5L | $3.20 |
| 1/8 | 08/12/2024 | - | Grade 2 | $100,000.00 | Cork | 3364m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 72kg | - | - | 0 |
| 10L | $2.30 |
| 1/5 | 25/04/2023 | - | Grade 1 | $0.00 | Punchestown | 3219m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 75.5kg | - | - | 3 |
| 0.75L | $1.28 |
| 1/7 | 15/03/2023 | - | 1 | $393,480.00 | Cheltenham | 3199m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 74.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| - | $2.15 |
| 3/6 | 28/01/2023 | - | 1 | $90,304.00 | Cheltenham | 3275m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 74.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 6.7L | $1.50 |
| 1/4 | 11/12/2022 | - | 1 | $100,000.00 | Cork | 3365m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 76kg | - | - | 0 |
| 15L | $1.11 |
| 1/5 | 26/04/2022 | - | 1 | $274,998.00 | Punchestown | 3219m | GOOD | Paul Townend | 75kg | - | - | 0 |
| 8.5L | $1.60 |
| 1/7 | 16/03/2022 | - | 1 | $393,480.00 | Cheltenham | 3199m | HEAVY | Paul Townend | 74kg | - | - | 0 |
| 8.5L | $3.30 |
| 2/4 | 22/01/2022 | - | 1 | $147,555.00 | Ascot | 3371m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 73kg | - | - | 0 |
| 1L | $2.38 |
| 1/5 | 05/12/2021 | - | 1 | $70,000.00 | Cork | 3364m | SOFT | Sean Flanagan | 76kg | - | - | 0 |
| 8.5L | $1.28 |
| 1/4 | 29/04/2021 | - | 1 | $115,000.00 | Punchestown | 3218m | GOOD | Paul Townend | 75kg | - | - | 0 |
| 16L | $0.00 |
| 1/9 | 06/02/2021 | - | 1 | $124,999.00 | Leopardstown | 3471m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 75kg | - | - | 0 |
| 10L | $0.00 |
| 1/4 | 13/01/2021 | - | $19,502.00 | Naas | 3218m | HEAVY | Paul Townend | 74kg | - | - | 0 |
| 8.5L | $0.00 | |
| 1/10 | 20/11/2020 | - | $15,501.00 | Gowran Park | 4023m | HEAVY | Paul Townend | 76kg | - | - | 0 |
| 18L | $0.00 | |
| 1/13 | 07/03/2020 | - | $13,500.00 | Gowran Park | 3218m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 75kg | - | - | 0 |
| 19L | $0.00 |

Jockey: Paul Townend
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start won the Grade 1 at Cheltenham over 3199m by 10L with 74.5kg at $3.50. Has won four of his last five completed starts, including two Grade 1s at Sandown. Consistent performer for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins, now up slightly in weight. Can feature again at this level.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/10 | 11/03/2026 | - | Grade 1 | $393,480.00 | Cheltenham | 3199m | GOOD | Paul Townend | 74.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 10L | $3.50 |
| 99/4 | 17/01/2026 | - | Grade 1 | $172,148.00 | Ascot | 3375m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 74.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 999L | $1.40 |
| 1/5 | 06/12/2025 | - | Grade 1 | $172,148.00 | Sandown | 3108m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 74.5kg | - | 3-3-3-3-1-1-1 | 0 |
| 9L | $1.73 |
| 1/4 | 06/11/2025 | - | 1 | $60,000.00 | Clonmel | 4179m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 18L | $1.22 |
| 1/7 | 26/04/2025 | - | Grade 1 | $172,148.00 | Sandown | 3108m | GOOD | Danny Mullins | 74.5kg | - | 6-5-5-4-2-1-1 | 0 |
| 5.5L | $5.50 |
| 1/4 | 02/05/2024 | - | Grade 1 | $125,000.00 | Punchestown | 3287m | SOFT | Danny Mullins | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 2.25L | $4.50 |
| 1/5 | 11/04/2024 | - | Grade 1 | $0.00 | Aintree | 4005m | HEAVY | Paul Townend | 73kg | - | - | 5 |
| 9L | $4.00 |
| 3/10 | 12/03/2024 | - | Grade 1 | $0.00 | Cheltenham | 3199m | SOFT | Danny Mullins | 73kg | - | - | 0 |
| 14.25L | $4.50 |
| 1/6 | 03/02/2024 | - | Grade 1 | $0.00 | Leopardstown | 3419m | SOFT | Danny Mullins | 75.5kg | - | - | 3 |
| 0.3L | $7.00 |
| 2/5 | 28/12/2023 | - | Grade 1 | $0.00 | Limerick | 3914m | HEAVY | Danny Mullins | 75.5kg | - | - | 3 |
| 5.5L | $4.00 |
| 1/10 | 30/11/2023 | - | $0.00 | Thurles | 3704m | SOFT | Paul Townend | 75.5kg | - | - | 4 |
| - | $2.20 | |
| 2/5 | 25/04/2023 | - | Grade 1 | $0.00 | Punchestown | 3310m | SOFT | Danny Mullins | 75.5kg | - | - | 4 |
| 7.5L | $4.40 |
| 5/14 | 14/03/2023 | - | 1 | $132,800.00 | Cheltenham | 3298m | SOFT | Danny Mullins | 73kg | - | - | 0 |
| 9.05L | $4.80 |
| 1/6 | 05/02/2023 | - | 1 | $150,000.00 | Leopardstown | 3219m | YD(GD/YD PL) | Danny Mullins | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 9.5L | $17.00 |
| 2/6 | 27/12/2022 | - | 1 | $100,000.00 | Leopardstown | 3219m | SOFT | Danny Mullins | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 4L | $9.00 |
| 1/15 | 24/11/2022 | - | Hurdle | $10,000.00 | Thurles | 3249m | SOFT | P W Mullins | 71.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 10L | $1.03 |
| 4/6 | 30/04/2022 | - | 1 | $125,000.00 | Punchestown | 3218m | SOFT | Danny Mullins | 69.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 18.1L | $7.50 |
| 5/12 | 18/03/2022 | - | 1 | $132,800.00 | Cheltenham | 3382m | GOOD | Danny Mullins | 69.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 8.6L | $17.00 |
| 3/9 | 05/02/2022 | - | 1 | $125,000.00 | Leopardstown | 3219m | YIELDING | Danny Mullins | 70.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 5.75L | $41.00 |
| 2/10 | 20/05/2021 | - | 3Y C&G | $15,000.00 | Vichy | 2400m | GOOD3 | Nathalie Desoutter | 62.5kg | - | - | 7 |
| 1.25L | $0.00 |

Jockey: Mark Walsh
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start finished 7th of 10 at Cheltenham over 3199m in a Grade 1 on 11 Mar, beaten 25.5L at $1.83. Won the previous run at Leopardstown over 3419m in a Grade 1 by 19L at $3. Has a strong record with 6 wins from 11 starts and is unbeaten at Punchestown. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/10 | 11/03/2026 | - | Grade 1 | $393,480.00 | Cheltenham | 3199m | GOOD | Mark P Walsh | 74.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 25.5L | $1.83 |
| 1/6 | 01/02/2026 | - | Grade 1 | $150,000.00 | Leopardstown | 3419m | HEAVY | Mark P Walsh | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 19L | $3.00 |
| 3/7 | 27/12/2025 | - | Grade 1 | $125,000.00 | Leopardstown | 3419m | SOFT | Mark P Walsh | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 3.25L | $2.50 |
| 2/5 | 07/12/2025 | - | Grade 2 | $97,999.00 | Cork | 3401m | SOFT | Mark P Walsh | 76.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 1.5L | $1.67 |
| 1/6 | 01/05/2025 | - | Grade 1 | $125,000.00 | Punchestown | 3287m | SOFT | Mark P Walsh | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 14L | $1.36 |
| 3/5 | 11/03/2025 | - | Grade 1 | $196,740.00 | Cheltenham | 3199m | GOOD | M P Walsh | 73kg | - | 2-1-2-1-1-3-3 | 0 |
| 0.85L | $1.50 |
| 1/6 | 01/02/2025 | - | Grade 1 | $150,000.00 | Leopardstown | 3419m | SOFT | Mark P Walsh | 74.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 9L | $1.73 |
| 1/10 | 14/12/2024 | - | 4UP CHASE | $15,000.00 | Fairyhouse | 3319m | SOFT | Mark P Walsh | 72.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 6.5L | $2.05 |
| 1/12 | 15/03/2024 | - | Grade 1 | $0.00 | Cheltenham | 3382m | HEAVY | M P Walsh | 71kg | - | - | 0 |
| 1.5L | $7.00 |
| 3/11 | 03/02/2024 | - | Grade 1 | $0.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | SOFT | Mark P Walsh | 70kg | - | - | 5 |
| 1.75L | $6.00 |
| 1/11 | 02/04/2023 | - | Hurdle | $59,210.00 | Auteuil | 2999m | GOOD3 | Johnny Charron | 67kg | - | - | 0 |
| 4.5L | $13.00 |

Jockey: Sean Flanagan
Weight: 75.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Runner-up last start in the Grade 1 at Leopardstown over 3419m on heavy going, beaten 19L by Majborough at $2.25. Won the Grade 1 at Punchestown over this trip two starts back by 7L, defeating Captain Guinness. Unbeaten in three runs at this track and holds a strong overall record with 8 wins from 14 starts. In with a chance returning to his preferred course and distance.
Last Starts 86 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/6 | 01/02/2026 | - | Grade 1 | $150,000.00 | Leopardstown | 3419m | HEAVY | Sean Flanagan | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 19L | $2.25 |
| 2/7 | 27/12/2025 | - | Grade 1 | $125,000.00 | Leopardstown | 3419m | SOFT | Sean Flanagan | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 0.5L | $3.00 |
| 1/6 | 29/04/2025 | - | Grade 1 | $300,000.00 | Punchestown | 3308m | GOOD | Sean Flanagan | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 7L | $3.00 |
| 1/8 | 12/03/2025 | - | Grade 1 | $393,480.00 | Cheltenham | 3199m | GOOD | Sean Flanagan | 74.5kg | - | 2-2-1-2-1-1-1 | 0 |
| 18L | $6.00 |
| 2/8 | 02/02/2025 | - | Grade 1 | $150,000.00 | Leopardstown | 3419m | SOFT | Sean Flanagan | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 2L | $5.50 |
| 3/9 | 27/12/2024 | - | Grade 1 | $125,000.00 | Leopardstown | 3419m | GOOD | Sean Flanagan | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 4.5L | $5.50 |
| 2/5 | 10/11/2024 | - | Grade 3 | $29,000.00 | Naas | 3218m | GOOD | Michael Osullivan | 70.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 7.5L | $1.75 |
| 5/6 | 03/02/2024 | - | Grade 1 | $0.00 | Leopardstown | 3419m | SOFT | Michael Osullivan | 75.5kg | - | - | 4 |
| 10.3L | $1.55 |
| 1/8 | 27/12/2023 | - | $0.00 | Leopardstown | 3420m | HEAVY | Michael Osullivan | 75.5kg | - | - | 6 |
| 9.5L | $1.45 | |
| 1/14 | 14/03/2023 | - | 1 | $132,800.00 | Cheltenham | 3298m | SOFT | Michael Osullivan | 73kg | - | - | 0 |
| 3.25L | $5.50 |
| 1/8 | 04/12/2022 | - | 1 | $85,000.00 | Fairyhouse | 3219m | SOFT | Michael Osullivan | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 0.2L | $7.00 |
| 1/12 | 12/10/2022 | - | Hurdle | $12,501.00 | Punchestown | 3218m | GOOD | Michael Osullivan | 75.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 4L | $1.32 |
| 1/4 | 20/08/2022 | - | N_H_Flat | $11,500.00 | Killarney | 3310m | GOOD | Michael Osullivan | 73kg | - | - | 0 |
| 11L | $1.70 |
| 1/15 | 28/05/2022 | - | $10,000.00 | Punchestown | 3264m | GOOD | Michael Osullivan | 70kg | - | - | 0 |
| 3.75L | $7.50 |