Hewick heads to Sandown after bypassing Punchestown Gold Cup

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Hewick will sidestep the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup in favour of a return to Sandown on Saturday.

Shark Hanlon’s stable star won the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown 12 months ago before going on to claim further big-race victories in the Galway Plate and the American Grand National.

Connections decided against a tilt at the Grand National at Aintree after the eight-year-old suffered a heavy fall two fences from home in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month, instead electing to keep their powder dry for a late-April outing.

Hewick was declared to renew rivalry with the first and second from the Gold Cup in Galopin Des Champs and Bravemansgame at Punchestown, but Hanlon voiced concerns about conditions in County Kildare earlier this week and on Wednesday morning confirmed he will now instead head to Sandown.

“I walked the track (at Punchestown) this morning and the ground is very gluey,” said the trainer.

“I know the horse wants good ground and there’s no point pulling the tail end out of him for the whole year. If the ground was good I wouldn’t mind taking on Galopin Des Champs and Bravemansgame, but just on soft ground I don’t think I’d have any chance of beating them, so we’ll head to Sandown with him.”

Hewick will have to carry the welter burden of 12 stone if he is to bid for back-to-back wins in the bet365 Gold Cup – and while no final decision has been made, Hanlon admits the Grade Two bet365 Oaksey Chase on the same card may be a more attractive proposition.

John ‘Shark’ Hanlon with Hewick
John ‘Shark’ Hanlon with Hewick (Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA)

He added: “I have to talk to the owner about it, but we have to give away a lot of weight in the bet365 and the other race looks very winnable.

“I’ll see what the owner says. I spoke to him this morning and just said I thought we should take him out of Punchestown, he’s very good and lets me do what I think is right.

“He’s nearly a stone well-in with a lot of horses in the Grade Two, so we’ll see.”

Mullins kicks off Punchestown week with four-timer

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Willie Mullins once again made most of the headlines on the opening afternoon of the Punchestown Festival as the champion trainer kicked off the week with a four-timer.

The champion trainer invariably dominates the traditional end-of-season meeting and headed back to County Kildare with a formidable team for day one.

Mullins was out of luck in the curtain-raising Howden Insurance Brokers Mares Novice Hurdle, with Shecouldbeanything justifying 7-2 favouritism for Gordon Elliott, but was soon off the mark as Facile Vega (4-6) readily saw off stablemate Il Etait Temps in the KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle.

Bialystok (14-1) then led home a Mullins one-two-three in the Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle before Energumene (2-7) lifted the William Hill Champion Chase, followed home by three other Mullins runners.

Energumene was the star of the show on day one of the Punchestown Festival
Energumene was the star of the show on day one of the Punchestown Festival (Niall Carson/PA)

The onslaught continued in the Goffs Defender Bumper, with Patrick Mullins steering the previously-unraced Predators Gold (4-1) to victory and Milo Lises, another Mullins-trained newcomer, filling the runner-up spot just for good measure.

The 66-year-old did, however, suffer a surprise reverse in the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase, with his nephew Emmet Mullins securing his first Grade One success through Feronily.

Mullins was not represented in the following cross-country race, while in the concluding Oak Lodge Landscapes Flat Race his runner Ninth Loch finished only fourth.

There is every chance of further success for the all-conquering team on Wednesday, with Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs, who bids to follow up in the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup, and Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle favourite Gaelic Warrior leading the Closutton squad into battle.

Emmet Mullins denies Willie Mullins a Grade One treble at Punchestown

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Emmet Mullins dealt his uncle Willie a rare reverse on the opening day of the Punchestown Festival, as Feronily refused to bend in the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase.

The champion trainer had saddled four of the first five winners on the card, with a couple of one-twos, a one-two-three and a one-two-three-four thrown in for good measure.

Having won the first two Grade Ones of the afternoon with Facile Vega and Energumene, the master of Closutton saddled four of the six runners in a bid to bag another top-level prize – but was ultimately beaten by his nephew and neighbour.

With Henry de Bromhead’s 9-4 favourite Journey With Me falling in the back straight, it was just a question of which Mullins would win before the home turn, with 7-1 shot Feronily leading the way under a bold ride from Donagh Meyler.

Appreciate It – looking to give Paul Townend a Grade One treble on the card – emerged as the biggest threat between the final two fences, but Feronily was not for catching and stuck to his task gamely on the run-in to score by a length and three-quarters.

James Du Berlais and Classic Getaway finished third and fourth, while Sir Gerhard was pulled up.

While Emmet Mullins is no stranger to big-race success, having most notably saddled Noble Yeats to win last year’s Grand National at Aintree, Feronily was giving him his first Grade One winner.

He said: “We bought him last November as a five-year-old and people said he was too old. We’ve run him in bumpers, hurdles and chases and he’s won a Grade One and now he’s a young horse again. It’s funny how the wheel turns sometimes.

Donagh Meyler and Feronily after winning at Punchestown
Donagh Meyler and Feronily after winning at Punchestown (Niall Carson/PA)

“He’s progressing with each run and is an exciting horse to have. He’s such a good jumper and what I saw in the point-to-point field was the reason we bought him. Jumping is his forte and we weren’t going to waste time.

“I don’t know where we go from here, but he’s definitely a staying chaser.”

Meyler was also enjoying his first Grade One victory.

He said: “I just can’t believe it to be honest with you, it’s kind of been a monkey on the back for a long time now. I’m over the moon.

“He’s had an unusual prep, but you’d be a foolish man second-guessing Emmet Mullins!”

“He’s a fantastic horse, well bought, and it’s great to ride a Grade One winner for Emmet and Paul Byrne (owner) as well.”

Energumene holds off Chacun Pour Soi in Punchestown thriller

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Chacun Pour Soi made his younger stablemate Energumene pull out all the stops in a thrilling renewal of the William Hill Champion Chase at Punchestown.

Having successfully defended his crown in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham last month, Energumene was the 2-7 favourite to also make it back-to-back wins in this two-mile Grade One.

Chacun Pour Soi, who won the race in 2021, is now very much in the twilight of his career at the age of 11 and recent efforts over a variety of trips had suggested his best days were behind him.

But the veteran proved there is life in him yet with a spirited display before eventually giving best on the run-in.

Trainer Willie Mullins fielded four of the five runners in all and the race was his for the taking after Henry de Bromhead’s front-running mare Magic Daze gave way long before the home turn.

Energumene, who had not entirely convinced in the jumping department, travelled smoothly into the straight under Paul Townend, but so did Chacun Pour Soi in the hands of Danny Mullins and the older horse had poked his nose by the time both horses landed after jumping the final fence.

Energumene, though, dug deep when he needed to, getting up in the closing stages to prevail by three-quarters of a length.

Mullins said: “He normally wins his races with class, but today he had to get down and fight it out. He answered every call from Paul and showed his grit.

Paul Townend celebrates winning the William Hill Champion Chase with Energumene
Paul Townend celebrates winning the William Hill Champion Chase with Energumene (Niall Carson/PA)

“Paul really pulled that race out of the fire and that’s the difference between a good jockey and a great jockey.

“You can see probably the end of the season getting to him. Paul said he wasn’t as sharp as his last run at Cheltenham and he missed two fences, which isn’t like him.

“I was delighted with Chacun Pour Soi. We had been trying different distances and it wasn’t working so we said today we’d come back to two miles. We’ll see what we do with him now and have a word with Rich (Ricci, owner).”

Townend added: “I know how good Chacun can be around here, so when he appeared I was worried. I thought it was going to come to the jump at the last and Danny seemed to get away from it a bit better than me.

“Chacun’s last furlong has always kind of been his slowest, though, so I had confidence in this lad getting him once Danny hadn’t gone on me.”

Facile Vega back in front – and chasing beckons next season

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Willie Mullins is excited to see what Facile Vega can achieve over fences next season after surviving a scare to get back on the winning trail in the KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

The six-year-old had plenty live up to from day one as a son of the great racemare Quevega, who won six times at Punchestown to go with her six victories in the Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Facile Vega has largely upheld family honour, winning four bumpers and his first two starts over hurdles, but lost his unbeaten record when well held at Leopardstown in February and was ultimately no match for Marine Nationale when favourite to bounce back in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle last month.

Despite those successive defeats, the Walk In The Park gelding was unsurprisingly short odds to end his season on a high back on home soil at 4-6 – and while a mistake three flights from home would have have had his supporters sweating, Paul Townend’s mount soon came back on the bridle and coasted clear in the straight.

Facile Vega’s stablemate Il Etait Temps was seven and a half lengths adrift in second at the line, while another Mullins runner, Diverge – third in the Supreme – weakened tamely after making much of the running and finished a tailed off last of five.

Mullins said: “I’ve always thought the world of him, he has huge ability and I’m looking forward to him going over fences next year.

“Paul thinks he doesn’t have much respect for hurdles and he could always do that type of thing even schooling at home. He thinks he’ll have far more respect for fences.

“I said to Paul to be very positive on him because he has a huge, long stride. He gallops and is able to quicken off that.

Facile Vega returns to the Punchestown winner's enclosure
Facile Vega returns to the Punchestown winner’s enclosure (Niall Carson/PA)

“His pedigree would suggest he can go out to three miles any day of the week and I know he has enough pace to go two miles so we will let the horse tell us as he learns the game in the autumn.”

Townend said: “We got a bit of a fright at the third-last, but he lengthened well down the straight for me again.

“We got it right today and he showed the true horse.”

Epictetus takes Epsom honours with minimum of fuss

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Epictetus stated his claim for Classic honours by landing the Weatherbys Digital Solutions Blue Riband Trial at Epsom.

A winner on debut last season, the John and Thady Gosden-trained colt went on to finish second in both the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket and Doncaster’s Vertem Futurity Trophy – where he chased home Betfred Derby favourite Auguste Rodin in heavy ground.

Having handled testing conditions adequately on Town Moor, soft ground on the undulations of Epsom held no qualms and Frankie Dettori aboard the 1-3 favourite was happy to let Andrew Balding’s Stormbuster and Charlie Johnston’s Hadrianus stride on in the early stages.

The gap closed as the field swung downhill towards Tattenham corner and Dettori was still holding on to plenty of horse when they straightened for home.

The Italian asked his mount to extend passing the two-pole and although getting lonely inside the final furlong, was kept up to his work under hands and heals to complete a successful reconnaissance of the Derby track.

Although seemingly not bowled over by the performance, Paddy Power, Betfair and Coral all went 20-1 from 25s about the winner for the premier Classic.

However, any decision about whether he will return to Epsom or go to Chantilly for the Prix du Jockey Club will be left until after he has taken part in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes at York on May 18.

Frankie Dettori celebrates on Epictetus after winning the Weatherbys Digital Solutions Blue Riband Trial at Epsom
Frankie Dettori celebrates on Epictetus after winning the Weatherbys Digital Solutions Blue Riband Trial at Epsom (Simon Marper/PA)

“It was very testing conditions today,” said John Gosden. “It was very deep and he hasn’t trained in anything like that this year. Frankie said he was a little bit lonely in front and he got to the front sooner than he wanted. He travelled well.

“He was looking about a little bit in front, but got tired on the ground as it is deep out there.

“He has wintered well and is a grand horse, but he hasn’t been training on that. He has gone and done it well and shown a good attitude, but just in the end he was looking about a bit and getting tired.”

On future plans, he continued: “We had this pencilled in for him all year. We will go to the Dante and take it from there.

“He may well be more a Prix du Jockey Club horse. Certainly his pedigree might indicate that. We will get to the Dante and make a decision.”

Dettori added: “The pace was even for that ground. I had him exactly where I wanted him to be.

“I thought beforehand Oisin (Murphy, on Stormbuster) was the one to beat. On this ground you can’t give them too much rope.

“I kicked with them at the two and then all of a sudden I found myself in front. He kind of idled a bit and it was the first time that the horse had been on grass for a long time. He has passed his test and I suspect we will run again one more time.

Frankie Dettori celebrates by leaping from Epictetus after winning the Weatherbys Digital Solutions Blue Riband Trial at Epsom Downs
Frankie Dettori celebrates by leaping from Epictetus after winning the Weatherbys Digital Solutions Blue Riband Trial at Epsom Downs (Simon Marper/PA)

“I’d like to see him again (before deciding whether he stays a mile and a half). It is very hard to tell in these testing conditions.

“He got a mile and a quarter well on very testing ground and he hasn’t got much further to go, but perhaps a race like the Dante will give us a better clue. He is a very neat and balanced horse.

“His form is solid as he was second in the Vertem Futurity and he was entitled to come here and win. If you freeze the race at the furlong marker I was three (lengths) clear, but then you if look at the winning post I was three-parts clear. I was pleased with him.”

Galopin Des Champs poised for famous Cheltenham-Punchestown double

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Side by side jumping the last in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Galopin Des Champs will attempt to again conquer Bravemansgame in a mouthwatering renewal of the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup on Wednesday.

Willie Mullins’ star chaser has a chance to emulate Kicking King (2005), War Of Attrition (2006) and Sizing John (2017) as the most recent to record the Cheltenham-Punchestown double.

The seven-year-old justified favouritism under Paul Townend by giving Bravemansgame a seven-length beating in jump racing’s most prestigious event, answering any stamina doubts some – but not his trainer – may have had.

Officially rated the best National Hunt horse in training, Mullins will bid for a seventh triumph in the three-mile Grade One feature.

“He’s in great shape. We’re aiming for Punchestown since Cheltenham,” said Mullins.

“I didn’t have any worry about his stamina until about four furlongs out (at Cheltenham) when I said, ‘Right, now’ when what I was convinced about was going to happen or not.

“I just took his novice hurdle form to mean he would stay three-and-a-quarter miles easily as an older horse.

“I didn’t have any fear about him staying all year. I was surprised myself how much doubt crept in as they rounded the top of the hill.

“But Paul seemed to be going well at all stages. The only little blip was at the third-last where he brushed the top but the minute he did that, Paul just pulled him together, got him in behind the others, gave him just a little bit of time to recover. You could see Paul’s body language telling you, ‘This fella’s got plenty in the tank.’”

The Audrey Turley-owned Galopin Des Champs has won six of his seven starts over fences and has won both starts at Punchestown, taking the Grade One novice hurdle in 2021 and the John Durkan Memorial over two and a half miles in December.

The Irish Gold Cup winner locks horns with King George VI Chase winner Bravemansgame over three miles, with Paul Nicholls relieved the horse’s ownership issues have finally been sorted, with Bryan Drew now the sole owner of the eight-year-old, having previously been co-owner with John Dance.

The latter founded Vertem Asset Management, a prominent sponsor within racing, but that firm is one of three trading names of WealthTek LLP, which was ordered to cease trading by the Financial Conduct Authority due to “serious regulatory and operational issues coming to light”.

Bravemansgame was subsequently prevented via a court order from running at Aintree but thanks to an early Easter, Nicholls feels the additional time between Cheltenham and Punchestown will help as the trainer bids for a fourth victory in the race.

“It’s brilliant that he has been cleared to run at Punchestown after issues beyond our control led to him missing Aintree,” Nicholls reported on his Betfair blog.

“The extra 12 days since Cheltenham can only be a positive for Bravemansgame, who ran the race of his life against Galopin de Champs in the Gold Cup and I’m really looking forward to taking him on again.

“He’s in great order at home, schooled beautifully ridden by Harry Cobden on Monday morning, and our horses could hardly be in better form. So I’m expecting another big show.”

Allaho took the laurels in last year’s renewal for Cheveley Park and the stud’s managing director Chris Richardson hopes that Envoi Allen can complete another fine season which has produced two Grade One victories from three starts.

Rachael Blackmore and Envoi Allen bid to follow up their Ryanair Chase success
Rachael Blackmore and Envoi Allen bid to follow up their Ryanair Chase success (David Davies/PA)

The Henry de Bromhead-trained nine-year-old plundered the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal on his seasonal debut and after a tame run in the King George, bounced back in fine style under regular partner Rachael Blackmore to beat Shishkin in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.

Richardson said: “He goes to Punchestown in good order. It was wonderful to see him perform as he did at Cheltenham.

“I wasn’t really surprised that he bounced back, because he had been working well at home and so much better this year than he had. He was much more settled and relaxed in himself. Henry and Rachael were just thrilled. He was in such a good place.

“We went to Kempton thinking he was in a happy place, but he was just never going and that obviously was a huge surprise, really.

“There was no real explanation afterwards. It was one of those days and we just put it down to an off-day and hopefully he’d put that behind him – which he did so famously.

“He likes Punchestown, but we’ve probably had our luck last year with Allaho.”

Dettori looks on in awe at unveiling of Epsom mural

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As Frankie Dettori fever builds at the beginning of the Italian’s last season in the saddle, Epsom unveiled a mural of the evergreen rider to commemorate his achievements at the track.

The mural, which measures 52ft by 23ft and has been installed on the side of the Duchess Stand at the Surrey track, captures the moment Dettori landed his second Derby aboard Golden Horn in 2015 and is accompanied by a quote from the 52-year-old giving his thoughts on the Premier Classic.

Dettori, who announced in December that 2023 would be his last in the saddle, first won the Derby on Peter Chapple-Hyam’s Authorized in 2007 and will have one last chance to add to the eight Classics he has won at Epsom during the two-day Derby meeting in June.

Prior to the track’s opening meeting of the season, he expressed his surprise at being honoured in such a fashion by the Jockey Club and leading street art specialist MurWalls.

“It was a big surprise! I was quite embarrassed when I first saw it, actually,” said Dettori.

“I love it. It is amazing, I’m gobsmacked really. Marc and the team at MurWalls have done a great job.

“It’s the young me and the older me. It was my biggest thrill in my racing career – the Derby in 2015 on Golden Horn. I’m glad it is there forever now. It looks great.

Frankie Dettori looks at a new mural of him unveiled at Epsom Downs Racecourse
Frankie Dettori looks at a new mural of him unveiled at Epsom Downs Racecourse (Simon Marper/PA)

“I have mixed feelings. It’s the end of an era, and it’s nice to be recognised with something as big as this. Epsom is a special place for me. I’ve had some great memories, lots of nice winners – two Derby wins, five Coronations, six Oaks. It’s been a good stamping ground for me.

“To be honoured with something like this at one of the most famous racetracks in the world is quite something.”

Dettori is still searching for a mount for the June 3 showpiece but remains steadfast in his plan to retire at the end of the season.

He added: “It would be amazing (to win the Derby again). I haven’t got a ride yet, but it will be amazing.

Frankie Dettori signs a new mural of him unveiled at Epsom Downs Racecourse
Frankie Dettori signs a new mural of him unveiled at Epsom Downs Racecourse (Simon Marper/PA)

“I’m not changing my mind (on retirement), October 21st at Ascot is my last day (in Britain).

“I’m trying to enjoy every moment. That’s why I gave myself plenty of time to enjoy it. I gave myself a year, or more of less, when I announced it in December.”

Dettori returned to British action last week after his winter stint in America, starting off at the Craven fixture before heading to Newbury where he was unshipped from his Qipco 2000 Guineas contender Chaldean as the stalls opened in the Greenham.

He went on: “These things happen. I’m glad the horse is fine. I’m going to go back on Saturday and sit on him again, because I didn’t get much of a feel. It’s one of those things. It was a freak thing.

“I’m pleased to be back and this mural is a good way to make me feel welcome again.”

Marquand relishing Hong Kong challenge with Dubai Honour

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Tom Marquand is eagerly looking forward to teaming up with Dubai Honour in Sunday’s QEII Cup at Sha Tin following his Australian exploits.

The William Haggas-trained five-year-old has taken his form to new heights this year, winning two Group Ones to emulate his former stablemate Addeybb.

In beating the now-retired Anamoe on his most recent outing, Dubai Honour announced himself on the world stage, displaying a turn of foot that should stand him in good stead this weekend.

Marquand missed his first win in the Ranvet Stakes with a shoulder injury, but was back on board in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes when defeat never looked likely.

“He did what he did in Australia and was pretty exceptional over there. It looks like he’s taken the journey to Hong Kong really well and the updates I’m getting from there are that he looks great and everything has gone to plan so far,” said Marquand.

“I think he is a horse that has just come of age recently. William was very keen on the idea that he hadn’t had him as well as he has him now for a while.”

This will not be Dubai Honour’s first appearance at Sha Tin, as he ran with great credit in December 2021 to be beaten just a length and a half behind Japan’s Loves Only You in the Hong Kong Cup.

“His previous Hong Kong run was a big run, but you’d like to think if he can replicate his Australian form that would put him even a few lengths closer,” said Marquand.

“The ground will be a bit different to what he had in Australia but it wasn’t as slow as it looked like it was going to be that day, it was probably only good to soft ground, by our standards anyway.”

On what has been responsible for him seemingly taking his form to a new level, Marquand suggests a slight change in tactics may be the reason.

He said: “I think the way we ride him now has brought about a change. The day he finished second in the Champion Stakes, James (Doyle) dropped him in because we had Addeybb that day who went forward and he showed that turn of foot, but that was on bottomless ground.

“To be honest, we’ve been riding him close enough (to the pace) until he went back to Australia, where he has really shown a finishing kick. I think that was down to the way we rode him.

“It doesn’t look as if there are going to be too many runners at the weekend so hopefully we can do a similar thing.”

Flaming Rib will be better suited going around a bend
Flaming Rib will be better suited going around a bend (Tim Goode/PA)

Marquand has also picked up the ride on Hugo Palmer’s Flaming Rib in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize.

Impressive at Doha on his penultimate run, he was well beaten in Dubai subsequently but Marquand hopes the track layout will be in his favour this time.

“Going around a bend will be in his favour. He won in Qatar really well and he performs to a good level,” said Marquand, who will be riding him for the first time.

“Obviously he has to take on some very good sprinters, but hopefully he can put in a career best and go close.

“I fly Friday night, I’m back in Ireland on Monday and then probably Yarmouth Tuesday so it’s an in-and-out job!”

Younger racegoers targeted in Champions Series initiative

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A new initiative has been launched by Qipco British Champions Series aimed at attracting younger racegoers to top Flat meetings during the summer.

‘Club 26’ is a free-to-join club for people aged between 18-26, with initial ticket offers announced being £10 general admission for club members to the Qipco Guineas Festival at Newmarket on May 6-7 and British Champions Day at Ascot in October.

Further discounted offers will be announced, while club members can benefit from behind-the-scenes tours and raceday previews.

Rod Street, chief executive of Qipco British Champions Series, said: “Our objective is to get a younger audience closer to horse racing, by involving them in some of the best Flat racing occasions in the calendar. Horse racing takes a bit of understanding, but by involving people more closely in the racing experience, we know the magic can rub off and create lifetime aficionados.

“We believe the initial offer is fantastic value and there will be more to come as the British Flat racing season goes on.”

Sheikh Fahad, director of Qipco and whose colours were carried to 2000 Guineas glory by Kameko in 2020, said: “We are passionate about attracting young people to horse racing as future fans and participants and are very proud to launch Club 26 ahead of the Qipco Guineas Festival.

“We have lots of exciting plans for the Club and hope it educates and encourages more 18-26 year olds, who are key to the future of this sport, to come racing.”