Going report from Punchestown

Press Association

Published at Apr 28, 2026, 11:48

Il Etait Temps (nearest) has been well supported for today's feature
© Healy Racing Photos

The ground at Punchestown for the first day of the festival is yielding (Hurdle/Chase) and yielding, good to yielding in places (Cross Country), and watering is ongoing.

It's set to be dry with temperatures in the mid- to late teens, and a possibility of 10mm (approx) of rain on Thursday night into Friday morning.

The first of eight races gets under way at 2.30pm and the William Hill Champion Steeplechase (6.05) , which features the clash of Majborough Marine Nationale and Il Etait Temps is today's highlight.

The latter has been the one for money this morning and is currently a shade of odds-on to follow up last month's win in the the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham.

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