Grand National Trial the highlight at Punchestown this afternoon Stamina will be at a premium in Punchestown this afternoon as 16 go to post for the €100,000 1xbet.ie Grand National Trial Handicap Chase over an extended 3m3f. The Lovely Man is seeking a hat-trick following wins at Navan and Gowran in recent months, while Uncle Pat and Lucky Lyreen also represent leading yards and are prominent in an open-looking market. Willie Mullins and Paul Townend teamed up for a four-timer at Gowran yesterday and have chances of adding to their tally again today with Kiss Will (2.00pm) and Dani Donadoni (3.32). The champion trainer also supplies a likely odds-on favourite in the bumper with Heldam (4.32). The first on an eight-race card that also includes the Up The Yard Challenge where stablestaff are given the opportunity to ride in a race on the track, gets underway at 1.30pm. Following 4mm of rain overnight, the going remains heavy. There is the possibility of a further 5-8mm of rain this morning, clearing in the afternoon.
