1st - €25,200.00 2nd - €8,400.00 3rd - €4,200.00 4th - €2,100.00 5th - €1,260.00

FormscanBy Shane Redmond - Although he only won once, BUNTING (1) was consistent enough over hurdles. He was far too good for two rivals when a wide-margin winner on his chasing debut on good ground at Ballinrobe in late August and then ran a big race on very different ground in the valuable Irish Cesarewitch at the Curragh. On his overall form, he's preferred to more recent winners Chanceawetmorning, who only had to jump five fences due to the low sun to win his beginners' chase at Sligo, and Sir Allen who got the better of an odds-on favourite to win on his chasing debut at Gowran Park. The far less exposed Vitorio Piel might well emerge as a threat to them all. He won his bumper at the festival here in 2025 and also showed up well over hurdles on occasion.

A novice steeplechase for four years old and upwards
Weights - 4-y-o 10st 7lbs 5-y-o and up 11st 1lbs. Mares allowed 7lbs.
Penalties - Penalties (handicaps excluded) - Winner of two steeplechases 4lb extra Of three steeplechases or a Grade 3 steeplechase 7lb extra Of two Grade 3 steeplechases or a Grade 2 steeplechase 9lb extra Of a Grade 1 steeplechase 13lb extra