Pat's Legacy wins Punchestown qualifier for Donoghue Pat's Legacy stayed on best under James Smith to win the Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series At Punchestown Festival 2026 Qualifier Novice Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal. Sent off 11/1, the Ian Donoghue trained six-year-old was making his first start in handicap company, having run four times in maidens. Prominent throughout under Smith, the Walk In The Park gelding came through to head Accustomed after the final flight. Keeping on well, the Ronan Murphy owned winner prevailed by three-quarters-of a length. Ian Donoghue said: "We were very disappointed in him in Fairyhouse (second) - he's a big, immature horse and it has taken a long time for the penny to drop. It looks like it is dropping there now. "He'll probably go straight to the final (in Punchestown) now, and he will be a nice chaser for next year. "He's very versatile ground-wise - Keith (Donoghue) rode him on proper heavy a few days and he handled it, and he ran well with Donagh (Meyler) in Leopardstown on better ground." Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
