The 11-year-old son of Sholokhov delighted the thousands who descended on the County Kildare venue on Thursday as he claimed his 11 career success over jumps.

Bob Olinger lands the @Ladbrokes Champion Stayers' Hurdle pic.twitter.com/n3ATPJ6cSU

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 30, 2026

Ridden by jockeys’ title-chasing Darragh O’Keeffe, who rode a treble on the third day of the Festival to reduce the deficit between championship leader Jack Kennedy and himself to three, rode in the Robcour colours aboard Bob Olinger.

The Henry de Bromhead star received a tremendous reception from the crowd when he entered the winner’s enclosure a lap of the parade ring to applause from the crowd.

"He read the script."

Bob Olinger bows out with victory at Punchestown. Lovely stuff with owner @BrianAcheson pic.twitter.com/zmkOvsFgD4

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 30, 2026

Jimmy Du Seuil (9/1), trained by Willie Mullins and Paul Townend, took the runner-up position, three-quarters-of-one length behind the winner.

Teahupoo, in the same ownership as the winner, but trained in County Meath by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy took third, three-and-a-half lengths further back, on ground that likely wasn’t ideal for him.

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The complexion of the race changes totally at the final fence as race favourite Kopek Des Bordes (4/11f) and Paul Townend fell when it looked as though they would head for victory.

Drama! Kopek Des Bordes exits at the second-last (seems to be OK) & Salvator Mundi picks up the pieces in G1 under Harry Cobden pic.twitter.com/y421jo6dra

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 30, 2026

Cobden, who will be owner J.P. McManus’ retained jockey next season, got Salvator Mundi to rally bravely, and the Joe and Marie Donelly-owned French-bred ran out a 12-length winner over Irish Panther (15/2), who had lead the field for most of the two miles and 75 yards’ race.

“We probably got a little bit lucky.”@CobdenHarry on G1 glory for Salvator Mundi pic.twitter.com/O7fIwBvqSG

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 30, 2026

The Kieran Buckley-ridden runner-up had 30 lengths to spare over the third-placed Jacob’s Ladder (18/1) representing the Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy team.

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Riding the Gordon Elliott-handled runner, Halford and With Nolimit ran out one-and-three-quarter length winners of the Grade 1 Race & Stay at Punchestown Champion Bumper.

More Grade 1 glory at @punchestownrace for @gelliott_racing!

With Nolimit lands the @raceandstay At Punchestown Champion I.N.H. Flat Race from Cheltenham hero The Mourne Rambler under a delighted Josh Halford pic.twitter.com/mhRo8tryRe

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 29, 2026

The Mourne Rambler (11/8), the winner of the Champion Bumper at last month’s Cheltenham Festival and the race favourite this afternoon, took second under Declan Lavery.

Boycetown (5/1), representing Gavin Cromwell and Derek O’Connor, was third, three-quarters-of-a-length behind the runner-up.

“I can’t believe it.”

Josh Halford didn’t know he was riding With Nolimit until a few hours ago.

The rider is now a Grade 1 winner at the Punchestown Festival! @punchestownrace pic.twitter.com/G8HeADqV0R

— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) April 29, 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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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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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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Gordon Elliott will be strongly represented in the 2026 Randox Grand National, with five runners declared for Saturday’s Aintree marathon.

The Cullentra handler has long been one of the key players in major staying handicaps and once again brings a mix of class, stamina and experience to the biggest race of the jumping season.

Gordon Elliott runners in the 2026 Grand National

• Gerri Colombe – Jack Kennedy
• Firefox – Keith Donoghue
• Favori de Champdou – Danny Gilligan
• Three Card Brag – Jordan Gainford
• Stellar Story – Robert Dunne

Gerri Colombe leads Elliott challenge

Gerri Colombe is the standout name among the Elliott quintet. He brings top-class form into the race and has the ability to travel strongly in a contest of this nature.

The obvious question is whether he can fully see out the unique demands of Aintree’s four-and-a-quarter-mile examination, but there is no doubt about his quality. If he stays, he has the class to play a major role.

Firefox and Favori de Champdou bring solid profiles

Firefox has shaped like a horse who could be suited by a searching stamina test, while Favori de Champdou has the look of a proper staying handicap chaser. Both could easily outrun their market position if they settle into a good rhythm early.

In races like the Grand National, that counts for plenty. Jumping fluency, patience and the ability to keep finding under pressure are often just as important as raw class.

Three Card Brag and Stellar Story offer depth

Three Card Brag is another interesting runner for the yard. He is less exposed than some of the better-known names in the line-up and could still have progress in him over staying trips.

Stellar Story adds further strength to the Elliott team. He looks like one of those runners who may not dominate the headlines but could be staying on when others have cried enough. That makes him one to note for each-way and place markets.

Elliott knows how to target these races

One of Elliott’s key strengths is placing the right type of horse in the right staying handicap. His runners are usually battle-hardened, experienced in large fields and well schooled for the rough and tumble of a race like this.

That does not guarantee success, but it does mean his team demands plenty of respect. There is every chance one or more of this group will still be in serious contention turning for home.

SportsNewsIreland will have full Grand National betting analysis, including whether Elliott’s runners can challenge the Mullins battalion at Aintree.

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Irish-trained runners are set to play a major role in the 2026 Randox Grand National, with 23 of the 34 declared horses travelling from across the Irish Sea for Saturday’s Aintree marathon.

That is a significant number even by modern standards and again highlights the strength of Irish National Hunt racing in the sport’s biggest staying handicap chase.

Full list of Irish-trained runners in the 2026 Grand National

• I Am Maximus – W. P. Mullins
• Nick Rockett – W. P. Mullins
• Banbridge – Joseph O’Brien
• Grangeclare West – W. P. Mullins
• Gerri Colombe – Gordon Elliott
• Spillane’s Tower – James Joseph Mangan
• Firefox – Gordon Elliott
• Monty’s Star – Henry de Bromhead
• Spanish Harlem – W. P. Mullins
• Lecky Watson – W. P. Mullins
• Champ Kiely – W. P. Mullins
• Favori de Champdou – Gordon Elliott
• Three Card Brag – Gordon Elliott
• Oscars Brother – Connor King
• High Class Hero – W. P. Mullins
• Stellar Story – Gordon Elliott
• Captain Cody – W. P. Mullins
• Perceval Legallois – Gavin Cromwell
• Gorgeous Tom – Henry de Bromhead
• Quai de Bourbon – W. P. Mullins
• Answer To Kayf – Terence O’Brien
• Jordans – Joseph O’Brien
• Final Orders – Gavin Cromwell

Willie Mullins leads the charge

It is no surprise to see Willie Mullins dominate the Irish list. The champion trainer sends a large and varied team, headed by I Am Maximus, one of the headline names in the field.

Mullins also saddles Nick Rockett, Grangeclare West, Spanish Harlem, Lecky Watson, Champ Kiely, High Class Hero, Captain Cody and Quai de Bourbon.

Strong support from Elliott and the rest

Gordon Elliott is represented by Gerri Colombe, Firefox, Favori de Champdou, Three Card Brag and Stellar Story, giving him a strong hand in the race once more.

Elsewhere, Joseph O’Brien relies on Banbridge and Jordans, while Henry de Bromhead sends Monty’s Star and Gorgeous Tom. Gavin Cromwell has two runners in Perceval Legallois and Final Orders.

Leading Irish hopes for Aintree

I Am Maximus is the obvious starting point. Proven at the highest level and strongly fancied in the market, he looks one of the major players again.

Grangeclare West is another notable contender, while Gerri Colombe brings class to the table if he can see out the extreme test. Perceval Legallois is one of the more interesting each-way angles from the Irish team, while Stellar Story has the profile of a horse who could outrun bigger odds.

Can Ireland land the race again?

The numbers suggest Ireland will take plenty of stopping. There is quality at the top of the market, depth through the middle of the handicap and no shortage of proven big-race operators among the trainers and jockeys involved.

SportsNewsIreland will continue its build-up with more trainer-specific guides and betting analysis before the tapes rise at Aintree on Saturday afternoon.

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The field for the 2026 Randox Grand National has been confirmed, with 34 runners declared for Saturday’s Aintree showpiece and a strong Irish challenge once again dominating the market.

The world’s most famous steeplechase, run over 4m 2f 74y on the Grand National course, goes to post at 4.00pm on Saturday, 11 April. The current going is listed as Good to Soft, Good in places.

Irish-trained horses account for 23 of the 34 declared runners, underlining the strength of the travelling team for one of the biggest races in the National Hunt calendar.

Randox Grand National 2026 declared runners and riders

• 1 I Am Maximus – Paul Townend
• 2 Nick Rockett – Tom Bellamy
• 3 Banbridge – J. J. Slevin
• 4 Grangeclare West – Mr P. W. Mullins
• 5 Gerri Colombe – Jack Kennedy
• 6 Haiti Couleurs – Sean Bowen
• 7 Spillane’s Tower – Simon Torrens
• 8 Firefox – Keith Donoghue
• 9 Monty’s Star – Darragh O’Keeffe
• 10 Spanish Harlem – Brian Hayes
• 11 Lecky Watson – Sean O’Keeffe
• 12 Champ Kiely – Danny Mullins
• 13 Iroko – Jonjo O’Neill Jr.
• 14 Favori de Champdou – Danny Gilligan
• 15 Three Card Brag – Jordan Gainford
• 16 Oscars Brother – Daniel King
• 17 Mr Vango – Jack Tudor
• 18 High Class Hero – James Bowen
• 19 Stellar Story – Robert Dunne
• 20 Beauport – Sam Twiston-Davies
• 21 Captain Cody – Jonathan Burke
• 22 Jagwar – Mark Walsh
• 23 Perceval Legallois – Harry Cobden
• 24 Gorgeous Tom – Sean Flanagan
• 25 The Real Whacker – Gavin Sheehan
• 26 Quai de Bourbon – Donagh Meyler
• 27 Answer To Kayf – John Shinnick
• 28 Jordans – Ben Jones
• 29 Final Orders – Conor Stone-Walsh
• 30 Marble Sands – Kielan Woods
• 31 Panic Attack – Harry Skelton
• 32 Top of The Bill – Toby McCain-Mitchell
• 33 Johnnywho – Richie McLernon
• 34 Twig – Beau Morgan

Latest betting odds

I Am Maximus heads the market at around 8/1, with Grangeclare West next best at 10/1. Jagwar is priced at 11/1, while Panic Attack and Iroko are both available at 12/1.

Further down the list, Haiti Couleurs and Johnnywho are around 14/1, while Nick Rockett, Oscars Brother and Captain Cody can be backed at roughly 16/1.

Race details and prize money

The Randox Grand National carries a total prize fund of £1,000,000, with £500,000 going to the winner. Second place is worth £200,000, third receives £100,000, while the first ten home all collect prize money.

The race is restricted to horses aged seven and above, with strict qualification conditions based on chase experience, official ratings and proven stamina over extended trips.

Irish domination continues at Aintree

The Irish challenge is formidable once again. Willie Mullins alone is responsible for a large section of the field, while Gordon Elliott, Henry de Bromhead, Joseph O’Brien, Gavin Cromwell and other Irish handlers are all represented.

That depth is a major reason why the market is so heavily shaped by Irish-trained runners. On paper, this looks another renewal in which the raiding party could hold the strongest hand.

SportsNewsIreland will have more Grand National coverage across the week, including Irish runners, trainer guides and betting picks ahead of Saturday’s feature at Aintree.

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Last year’s Martin Pipe winner over course and distance stepped up in grade to win the Grade 1 Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle at the expense of 2025 runner-up Jade De Grugy (2/1) and Paul Townend.

“She’s the horse of a lifetime. She gets me out of trouble all the time.”@gelliott_racing on the scoresheet at the 2026 Festival & a really honest interview about the week so far pic.twitter.com/nzUTRisnNG

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 12, 2026

Prominent throughout the 2 mile 4 furlong and 56 yards contest, the six-year-old daughter of Le Havre took command approaching the final flight of hurdles.

For a moment, it looked as though the Willie Mullins-trained Jade De Grugy might pose a serious challenge, but it was not to be, as The Sundowners Partnership-owned mare held the runner-up off by a comfortable length.

Paul Nolan’s Feet Of A Dancer (8/1), under Seán O’Keeffe, was third, a further five lengths back, and ensured an Irish trifecta in the first Grade 1 contest of St Patrick’s Thursday.

Relieved winning trainer Gordon Elliott admitted:

“I don’t think I was ever quite in the wilderness – it’s hard to get winners here and we just weren’t bouncing, but we’re on the board now. The race worked out great; Jack gave her a peach [of a ride]. She idled a bit halfway up the straight but picked up again – she’s something else. It’s hard to know just how good she is, because to be fair to her she doesn’t do anything fancy at home, but we’re lucky to have her.”

It was a 16th success in 19 editions of the race for Irish handlers following victories for Quevega (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014), Glen’s Melody (2015), Vroum Vroum Mag (2016), Apple’s Jade (2017), Benie Des Dieux (2018), Honeysuckle (2020 & 2023), Black Tears (2021) and Lossiemouth (2024 and 2025).

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