A small but select field contested the William Hill Champion Chase over two miles, with Willie Mullins accounting for four of the field, namely Il Etait Temps, Majborough, Energumene and Blood Destiny, with Barry Connell’s former Cheltenham Festival winner, Marine Nationale the other contestant.

The enigmatic Majborough with Mark Walsh in the saddle, and the Seán Flanagan-ridden Marine Nationale dominated the early stages of the Grade 1 race as they set the tempo out front.

Cheltenham hero Il Etait Temps follows up in the @williamhillire Champion Chase! @punchestownrace pic.twitter.com/cMLNnHW5kZ

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 28, 2026

Paul Townend on the race favourite, Il Etait Temps, and Danny Mullins on the 12-year-old Energumene, for whom it would be his final race, were third and fourth, with Brian Hayes and Blood Destiny bringing up the rear.

As the pace increased on entering the home straight, Lisgoold-born Townend came with his challenge on the grey son of the late Jukebox Jury. The victory for the French-bred never looked in doubt as he ran out a five-length victor over Marine Nationale, the only Irish-bred in the race.

"You can take nothing away from the winner."@swflanagan7 on Marine Nationale and "a nice race" from the returning star after the pair finish second in the @williamhillire Champion Chase @punchestownrace pic.twitter.com/IVrYG7S8qz

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 28, 2026

The brave Energumene took third on his final racecourse appearance, 23 lengths behind the runner-up. Majborough was a further 10 lengths behind in fourth position, with Blood Destiny last home, a further 19 lengths adrift of the J.P. McManus-owned Majborough.

Willie Mullins pays tribute to the 12yo Energumene after the fantastic chaser is retired after his third in the William Hill Champion Chase at @punchestownrace pic.twitter.com/D0WK1XLo77

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 28, 2026

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The Gordon Elliott-handled seven-year-old son of Westerner gave the trainer and stable jockey Jack Kennedy their only winner of the day when taking the Dooley Insurance Champion Novice Chase.

18/1 chance Western Fold lands Grade 1 honours in a thrilling Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase! @punchestownrace @jackkennedy15 | @gelliott_racing pic.twitter.com/cz1lUqcgUT

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 28, 2026

Fleur In The Park (11/1), winner of the Grade 1 Willow Warm Gold Cup at Fairyhouse’s Easter Festival, claimed the runner-up spot on this occasion, three-and-three-quarter lengths behind the winner.

Representing the trainer and jockey combination of Andy Slattery and Cian Quirke, the son of Grange Stud-based stallion Walk In The Park, had four-and-a-half lengths in hand on the third-place finisher Nowwhatdoyouthink (33/1) at the line.

"An unexpected one!"

Jack Kennedy on Grade 1 glory aboard Western Fold which puts him one further clear in the title race.

"I can't put my finger on it," adds the rider on El Cairos @Franmberry | @punchestownrace pic.twitter.com/DXhKT3B5pn

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 28, 2026

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Ridden by Seán Flanagan, the seven-year-old gelded son of Westerner, lead, or disputed throughout the extended two-mile race.

The winner is trained by Barry Connell, who also co-owns the victor with Tim O’Driscoll.

16/1 winner of the PRL Champion Novice Hurdle!

Eachtotheirown makes all under @swflanagan7 for Barry Connell in the opening Grade 1 of the week at @punchestownrace pic.twitter.com/YiQ9GzSJPs

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 28, 2026

A 135-rated hurdler, Eachtotheirown ran out a four-and-a-quarter length winner over Blake (17/2) from the Noel Meade yard.

The runner-up, ridden by Donagh Meyler, had a two-and-three-quarter length advantage over Le Labo (9/1) and John Gleeson at the line.

El Cairos (2/1), the Gordon Elliott-trained favourite, disappointed, eventually finishing in fourth place, a further length-and-a-half behind the third-placed horse.

"Happy days!"

There's more to come from Grade 1 winner Eachtotheirown next season and likely over fences, @swflanagan7 tells @Franmberry @punchestownrace pic.twitter.com/nHF6QaLhlv

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 28, 2026

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April 15, 2026 – The 2026 flat racing season burst into life at Newmarket on day one of the Betway Craven Meeting, and it didn’t take long for a leading Classic contender to emerge.

Talk Of New York, trained by Charlie Appleby for Godolphin, produced a commanding performance to land the Federation Of Bloodstock Agents EBF Conditions Stakes over seven furlongs, putting himself firmly in the frame for next month’s Betfred 2000 Guineas.

Strong Return to Form at Newmarket

The son of Wootton Bassett had created a big impression when winning on debut at Kempton Park last October. However, his winter campaign in Dubai failed to meet expectations, finishing third in the Jumeirah 2000 Guineas at Meydan.

Back on home soil and fitted with a first-time hood, the 8-11 favourite looked a different proposition. Travelling smoothly throughout, he asserted entering the final furlong before stretching clear to record a comfortable three-length success over Lost Signal.

Following the performance, Betfred shortened his odds to 6-1 for the 2000 Guineas on May 2.

Appleby: “A Work in Progress with a Big Engine”

Trainer Charlie Appleby was encouraged by the display but emphasised there is still more to come from the progressive colt.

“I was quite happy watching the race. Even if he had been beaten, as long as he settled, I wouldn’t have been too worried,” Appleby said.

“He is still very much a work in progress. He’s a lovely horse with a big engine, but he just needs managing. The hood and drop back to seven furlongs helped him settle today, and we saw the benefit of that.”

Appleby also suggested the headgear may not be retained for the Guineas.

“We’ve worked him in the hood and it takes the edge off him, but I would be inclined to take it off for the Guineas. He’s been a completely different horse since returning from Dubai.”

Dubai Experience Key to Development

The Dubai run, while underwhelming on paper, may prove crucial to the colt’s development.

Appleby admitted the experience highlighted areas that needed improvement, particularly in settling and adapting to race tempo.

“He only had two speeds in Dubai and we had to ride him steady. He was too fresh and hadn’t been trained as effectively as we would have liked,” he explained.

“Since coming back here, he’s returned to routine and has been much more straightforward to train.”

Buick: “Exactly What We Wanted”

Jockey William Buick echoed the trainer’s positivity, describing the performance as an ideal stepping stone.

“That was exactly what we wanted. It was a race where both he and we could learn,” Buick said.

“Dubai was messy for him, but he’s more experienced now. It was a proper end-to-end gallop today, which suited him, and he showed his quality.”

Buick also pointed to fitness and experience as key factors behind the improved showing.

“He lacked match practice in Dubai, but still ran well. He’s a big horse who operates at a high tempo, and the training style here suits him better.”

Guineas Picture Taking Shape

Talk Of New York now looks set to be a major player in the Betfred 2000 Guineas, with Appleby considering multiple options for the Classic.

Stablemates including Distant Storm, King’s Trail, and Hidden Force are also being assessed, as the trainer looks to finalise his team for the Rowley Mile showpiece.

“He’s very much in the Guineas picture,” Appleby confirmed. “We’ll get this week out of the way and then start putting the pieces together.”

Smooth from Talk Of New York at HQ pic.twitter.com/ulrMOpzXio

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 14, 2026

With a dominant Newmarket success now on the board, Talk Of New York has firmly re-established himself as one of the most exciting Classic contenders in training.

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Coolmore and Aidan O’Brien Continue Naming Masterclass with Elite Bloodstock

Coolmore Stud and master trainer Aidan O’Brien have once again demonstrated why they remain the gold standard in global horse racing — not just in breeding and training, but in branding.

The latest batch of two-year-olds to be named showcases a blend of elite pedigree, clever storytelling, and marketable identity. In a sport where first impressions matter, these names are doing serious early work.

Powerful Pedigrees, Even Stronger Names

Among the standout names is Abraham Lincoln, a son of Wootton Bassett out of a Group-winning daughter of Invincible Spirit. Purchased for €2.3 million, the name carries immediate authority and presence — exactly what you’d expect from a top-tier prospect.

Book of Kells is another striking entry. By Dubawi and out of a Galileo mare, this colt is a half-brother to multiple Group 1 winner Auguste Rodin. The name cleverly ties Irish heritage with class and legacy — a perfect fit for a horse with serious expectations.

Then there’s Capability Brown, linking art and prestige with racing excellence. As a half-brother to Saxon Warrior, the name reinforces a sense of refinement and stature.

Raging Bull brings a different energy — aggressive, memorable, and built for headlines. Meanwhile, Shakespeare and Opera continue the cultural theme, both reflecting depth, class, and timeless appeal.

Why Naming Matters in Horse Racing

In modern racing, a name is more than a label — it’s a brand. Before a horse ever sets foot on the track, its name shapes perception among punters, media, and owners.

• Memorability: Names like “Raging Bull” stick instantly
• Heritage: “Book of Kells” connects to Irish identity
• Prestige: “Shakespeare” and “Opera” signal class
• Marketability: Strong names drive media coverage and betting interest

Coolmore understand this better than anyone. They consistently produce names that feel like future Group 1 winners — and more often than not, they are.

The Coolmore Formula

The naming strategy aligns perfectly with their overall model:

Elite Pedigree + World-Class Training + Strong Branding = Commercial Dominance

With Aidan O’Brien preparing these horses for Ballydoyle, the expectation is clear — many of these names will soon be seen in Group races across Europe.

What Comes Next?

As the flat season unfolds, all eyes will be on these two-year-olds when they debut. History suggests that when Coolmore name a horse this well, it’s rarely by accident.

Don’t be surprised if Abraham Lincoln, Book of Kells, or Opera are making headlines before long.

Final Word

In an era where branding matters more than ever, Coolmore and Aidan O’Brien continue to set the standard. These aren’t just racehorses — they’re future stars with names to match.

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The schedule for the 2026 Punchestown Festival is beginning to take shape, with racegoers given a clearer picture of start times for one of Ireland’s biggest racing events.

The five-day festival, which runs from April 28 to May 2, will once again deliver a packed programme of top-class National Hunt racing at Punchestown Racecourse.

Organisers are expected to stick with a familiar structure for race times across the week, with the first race typically going off at 2:30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Friday — traditionally the busiest day of the festival — will feature a later start time, with the opening race scheduled for approximately 3:40pm to accommodate increased attendance and demand.

Each race day is expected to feature between three-and-a-half and four hours of live racing, giving fans a full afternoon of action across the festival.

The Punchestown Festival remains one of the highlights of the Irish racing calendar, drawing huge crowds and showcasing many of the top horses from the Cheltenham Festival and beyond.

Among the standout races expected across the week are the William Hill Champion Chase, the Punchestown Gold Cup, and the Boodles Champion Hurdle — all of which traditionally attract elite-level runners and provide thrilling finishes.

With consistent start times and a proven format, the 2026 edition is shaping up to deliver another memorable week for racing fans.

Racegoers are advised to check official channels closer to the event for confirmed racecards and any potential changes to the schedule.

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The win, completed a near 15/1 double for the Cullentra House team as Brighterdaysahead won the two and a half mile contest by defeating The New Lion (9/4) by two and a quarter lengths.

The winning hander, Gordon Elliott, admitted post-race:

“This is probably her trip and she was awesome. I was nervous but it was kind of easy to watch and Jack was brilliant on her. It’s great for everyone at Gigginstown who have been massive supporters of mine, through thick and thin.

“She’s a good mare and that’s why she wins over two miles, but I think two and a half is probably her trip. I’d imagine she’s going to go chasing. She was supposed to go this year but she pulled a muscle and that’s why she didn’t. She hasn’t won at Cheltenham but she ran a great race there this year.”

The winning rider, Kerryman, Jack Kennedy, was very please with the result, stating:

“Unreal. I think that could be as good as she’s been. The extra half a mile suited her, a little bit of juice in the ground suited her and she was brilliant. I was happy the whole way – I was actually having to take her back everywhere, and she’s one that when you don’t have her fully switched off she can run with you a bit, but she was just doing everything so easy and I let her on at the back of the fourth last. Potters Corner had a slow jump and I winged it, and I was happy to take up the running there and she was good. She’s a great mare.”

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Ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe, the Henry de Bromhead-handled horse was a two and a quarter length winner over Blueking D’Oroux (22/1) in the Manifesto Novices’ Chase

The 1-2 favourite Lulamba, owned by Cork’s Joe and Marie Donnelly, unseated his rider Nico de Boinville at the 10th fence in the two and a half mile contest.

County Waterford winning trainer Henry de Bromhead said of his Grade 1 win this afternoon:

“It’s a great start to the meeting for us, I am delighted. Darragh was brilliant on him. I thought they went a real good gallop and our lad jumps amazing. I’m delighted for the Moloneys, who are great supporters of ours. It’s so good to get one here.

“I started to get a bit worried for a second (when the second came back at him) but it looks as if he was idling and he picked up again. It was relentless the whole way and they were all jumping so well. I’m delighted for everyone and it’s great for the horse.”

The victorious jockey, Darragh O’Keeffe, racing in Barry Moloney colours, gave a good insight following the race, admitting:

“We always felt he was up to Grade One standard, and it just took us a couple of runs to figure him out. He was very impressive at Leopardstown, we gave the Grade One at Cheltenham a go and we learned plenty about him that day. I think it was huge credit to the horse to come back today after having a grueler in the Brown Advisory. It was a good performance, and his jumping was superb again today.

“I jumped out nice and handy away and I said, wherever I am, I’m just going to get into a rhythm. I couldn’t really hear a whole lot going round, but I could just hear the commentators saying – there was gasp or something – and I knew Lulumba was disappearing from my inside. He was following Harry, so I just kept my horse in a rhythm.

“He was a bit idle even when he jumped the second last, which showed he’s still a bit raw. As soon as he heard the other horse coming to him again, I could feel him picking up. I’m delighted to get a Grade One winner here at Aintree – it’s a special meeting and it’s great for the owners, the Maloneys, and I’m very grateful to everyone.”

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Mange Tout (Gordon Elliott/Jack Kennedy, 5-1) and Selma De Vary (Willie Mullins/Paul Townend, 9-4 favourite) fought out the finish if the two miles and one furlong contest, with the former prevailing by three-quarters of a length.

Successful trainer Gordon Elliott said of his filly:

“I thought he gave her a great ride. I thought winning or the losing of the race was done from the third-, fourth-last to the turn in. Jack had to ride to settle her – she was very keen at Leopardstown and he rode her to win rather than to settle her there, and it took its toll.

“It was hard not taking her to Cheltenham, because you want as many bullets as you can have, but now Cheltenham’s over I’m glad we kept her for here. Just the flatter track would suit her and she’s just got a bit of boot. Jack said she didn’t do a stroke in front, she was very idle.

“We thought we’d have her out early in the season for Down Royal – she was very keen there, but she’s a nice mare and she’ll jump a fence as well in time. That will be her for the year now – she’s not the biggest girl in the world.”

Winning jockey Jack Kennedy told ITV Racing:

“She was good. She can overrace a little bit, but I got a bit of cover on her today.

“She was still a bit keen but not as bad. She’s a big frame of a filly – she’s not small but she’s narrow, and I’d say bypassing Cheltenham helped.”

“She’ll definitely jump a fence and she probably has a bit of filling out to do, so she can be a nice mare.”

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At this stage, the field isn’t yet set, so a strong preview must weigh recent prep race form, campaign direction, and early market signals.

That makes an early read especially valuable. Instead of focusing only on the biggest names, bettors should look closely at pace shape, finishing strength, and whether a colt still appears to be improving.

With that in mind, we’ll take a look at the emerging market and contenders worth following.

Why the Early Market Matters

Horse racing fans still have some time to wait before the gates crash open at Preakness, and there’s no official Preakness board that can further inform the debate over potential outcomes. What we do have is a strong early market signal from the Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 5, which closed in mid-March.

That market isn’t a Preakness line, but it shows where money is already clustering among the leading three-year-olds. That makes it a useful guide for bettors searching for horse racing Preakness odds before the likely field takes shape.

In Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 5, Paladin and Chief Wallabee were both 8-1, followed by Incredibolt at 16-1, Silent Tactic at 17-1, The Puma at 23-1, Class President at 28-1, Emerging Market at 33-1, Golden Tempo at 36-1, and Fulleffort at 89-1.

Those prices should move once the Derby and final prep schedule sort the picture out, but they already tell us which colts have attracted respect and which ones still need another convincing performance.

Paladin Sets the Standard

Paladin has looked like the most complete early package on the trail. He stayed unbeaten by adding the Risen Star to an already strong profile that included the Remsen. DRF reported afterward that Chad Brown intended to point him to the Blue Grass on April 4. That matters because it suggests a clear, conventional campaign with enough spacing to keep him on the front line for both Louisville and Baltimore.

What stands out most is how Paladin finishes his races. In the Risen Star, he had to work through a long Fair Grounds stretch and still found the needed response late. That is a strong sign for the Preakness distance, which tends to reward runners who can hold position and sustain a drive rather than rely on one short burst.

His 8-to-1 future quote also shows that the market hasn’t lost confidence in him.

For now, Paladin looks like the benchmark contender because he combines class, a steady campaign, and a running style that should translate well if he reaches Baltimore in top form.

The New Faces With Upside

Not every serious Preakness contender arrives with the biggest reputation. Some of the most interesting names are the Colts, improving at the right time and building stronger form with each start. These runners may not command the same early attention as the leading headline acts, but they have shown enough to deserve a place in the conversation.

Emerging Market

Emerging Market stands out as a colt with real substance whose time may just have come. He moved from a debut win into the Louisiana Derby and immediately looked like a horse worth following closely.

His profile suits this race well because he has shown both progression and staying power. That makes him an appealing contender for bettors who value development over hype. His Louisiana Derby win only strengthened that view and gave him a firmer place among the more interesting names in the field.

Incredibolt

Incredibolt moved into the picture with a strong Virginia Derby performance that gave his profile a real lift. The effort carried visual authority, but it also came with a career-best 88 Beyer Speed Figure, which made the performance even more meaningful.

Horses that begin improving that way often become major players in races like this. He looks like a colt finding his best form at the right stage of the season, which makes him a compelling contender.

The Puma

The Puma brings a slightly different kind of appeal, but he still belongs in this group for the same reason: he has been improving quickly. After beginning his career in maiden company and then running in the Sam F. Davis, he stepped forward again in the Tampa Bay Derby, rallying wide from off the pace and finishing strongest late.

That effort suggested maturity, stamina, and the ability to handle a bigger challenge. A colt improving that quickly deserves serious respect in any Preakness preview built around form.

Form Horses Worth Tracking Closely

A good Preakness preview also needs to separate attractive résumés from form that truly fits the race. Several colts have done enough to stay on the short list, even if their profile still has a question or two attached.

Silent Tactic announced himself with a strong closing move in the Southwest, where DRF said he came from well back to score by 3 1 quarter length. That late kick is appealing, especially for bettors who expect a contested pace in Triple Crown company. Class President then edged him in the Rebel, which gives that form line extra depth and keeps both horses relevant.

Golden Tempo remains interesting. He went last to first in the Lecomte and was assigned an 81 Beyer Speed Figure for that effort. That style can be difficult to time perfectly, but it does show stamina and composure.

Fulleffort is another name to note after his Jeff Ruby performance, especially because consistency through the winter often matters once the calendar turns to the classic races.

The Early Preakness Picture

At this point, Paladin looks like the most polished contender. Incredibolt and Emerging Market offer real upside, and The Puma gives the race some lively intrigue.

Silent Tactic, Class President, Golden Tempo, and Fulleffort still belong in the conversation because each has already shown Preakness-style form. What matters now is not just who owns the flashiest headline, but who keeps progressing through the next round of major starts.

That is also why early betting discussion works best when it supports the form rather than replacing it with name recognition. When odds and recent performances begin to tell the same story, the preview becomes much clearer.

For fans interested in betting on horse racing, this creates a more useful starting point. It shifts the focus away from noise and toward the horses whose profiles genuinely suit the race.

Information correct as at 27/03/2026; information is subject to change.

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