The final day of the 2025 Punchestown Festival saw more success for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.
The Closutton team won the Grade 1 SBK Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle with the evens favourite Jade De Grugy. Just for good measure, Mullins also handled the runner-up Gala Marceau (12/1), with Danny Mullins in the saddle.
Cheltenham Triumph Hurdle form was overturned in the final Grade 1 contest of the jumps season when Lulamba (11/10 favourite) beat Poniros (7/2) by four lengths.
The latter won the Triumph in March but had to give way to the Nicky Henderson-handled James Bowen-ridden favourite this time.
Vital Island wins Ladies Cup
Vital Island (9/2) and Barry Stone took the opening Howden Cross Country Chase. Trained by Richie O’Keeffe, it was a second winner at this year’s Punchestown Festival for the County Wexford-based handler who claimed the Kildare Hunt Club Chase for the Ladies Cup on Tuesday with Transcript. Both winners carried O’Keeffe’s won colours.
Danny Mullins gave his uncle, Willie, another winner at this week’s festival when guiding Shanbally Kid (15/2 joint-favourite) to success in the Oaklodgelandscapes.ie Handicap Chase, in the colours of owners Gigginstown House Stud.
Harry Bannister gave the English visitors a final-day winner when Bill Baxter (12/1) won the Palmerstown House Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase.
Trained by Warren Greatrex, the grey nine-year-old son of Milan was bred in Ireland by Mary Fanning McCormack.
