5.55 3m. 120yds. 6 Declared. Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup (Grade 1) of €250,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €150,000.00 2nd - €50,000.00 3rd - €25,000.00 4th - €12,500.00 5th - €7,500.00 6th - €5,000.00
FormscanBy Tom Weekes - Gold Cup winner Minella Indo is a non-runner and in his absence another, dual, Cheltenham winner AL BOUM PHOTO can win. AL BOUM PHOTO was beaten in today’s 2019 renewal and while 'only' third in Cheltenham last month, ran well behind two top class horses. Kemboy beat him to win this race in 2019 but AL BOUM PHOTO has shown a higher level of form since and Kemboy disappointed at Cheltenham. Clan Des Obeaux is 0-6 at Cheltenham, was well beaten in two Gold Cups, but bypassed this year's Cheltenham in favour of Aintree's Betway Bowl, which he won by 26L in first-time cheek-pieces. He won the 2019 King George by 21L, is high class on his day on favoured courses but has been beaten twice previously by Al Boum Photo and also Kemboy. Fakir D'Ourairies has plenty to prove trying this trip for the second time, was pulled up on his first attempt, but comes here in excellent form having easily won the Melling Chase. Melon's previous win was in a beginners' chase and while just below high-class at his best, was pulled up at Cheltenham. Easy Game's form is over middle-distances and faces a stiffer task than when winning a Fairyhouse Grade 2.
A steeplechase for five years old and upwardsWeights - 5-y-o 11st 7lbs 6-y-o and up 11st 12lbs Mares allowed 7lbs