Punchestown Festival Day 3 Tips (2025)

William Hill racing writer Steve Mullington previews the third day of this year’s Punchestown Festival, which takes place on Thursday 1st May 2025.

14:30 – Specialist Joinery Group Handicap Hurdle

THE OTHER MOZZIE reverts back to hurdles on Thursday afternoon just three weeks after a raid on Ayr which saw him lift the 2m½f Scotty Brand Handicap Chase.

Gavin Crowell’s six-year-old was fifth in the Golden Miller at the Cheltenham, before embarking upon his Scottish foray. He should go well today, even under top weight.

Other horses of interest include Harry’s Legacy, whose form figures suggest he’ll be winning soon, plus the mare Magic Day who takes on the boys again.

15:05 – Frontline Security Chase (Listed)

Twenty-three runners will line up for the Listed Frontline Security Handicap Chase, and there are some potential winners lurking towards the bottom of the handicap.

CHAMPAGNE MAHLER will have Harry Cobden in the saddle with Henry De Bromhead’s seven-year-old bidding to follow up on his victory at Gowran Park some 54 days ago. He can go well at an each-way price in our sports betting market.

Course and distance winner Aslukwoodhavit is of interest also off a low weight.

15:40 – Mongey Communications La Touche Cup Cross-Country Chase

Some familiar names are entered for the 4m1f La Touche Cup Cross Country Chase, including the solid staying chaser THE GOFFER.

Fourth in the Cross-Country at Cheltenham, Gordon Elliott’s eight-year-old then went on to run a cracker at Aintree in the Topham. He’s a very solid pick in this contest today.

16:15 – Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle (Listed)

DODDIETHEGREAT raced from the front when landing the Pertemps Final at The Festival, and can make another bold bid to land the spoils in this Listed affair.

Stablemate Jeriko Du Reponet looks his biggest threat, with C’Est Ta Chance worth a second look.

16:50 – Close Brothers Mares Novice Hurdle (Listed)

Everything looks geared up for the Willie Mullins-trained KARAMOJA to takes this Listed Mares Novice Hurdle.

Third in the Grade 1 Honeysuckle Mares race at Fairyhouse, this is an altogether easier task and she is the one they all have to beat at Punchestown on Thursday.

17:25 – Barberstown Castle Novice Chase (Grade 1)

ONLY BY NIGHT can down the mighty Majborough in this competitive little Grade 1.

Narrowly beaten in the Arkle Chase, Gavin Cromwell’s runner can capitalise again against a rival who now has a few chinks in his armour.

18:00 – Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1)

Jessica Harington JETARA outran her odds in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, then ran another brave race in the Liverpool Hurdle. At odds of around 16/1 in our horse racing betting, she’s too big a price to ignore from an each-way perspective.

18:35 – J P & M Doyle (C&G) Flat Race

Running in the same colours as Grand National winner Nick Rockett, the Fergal O’Brien-trained NED HILL can give Stewart Andrew another afternoon to remember.

A staying on fourth at Wetherby in his opening bumper, this son of Doctor Dino went into my notebook that day, so hopefully Punchestown was the season ending plan all along.