PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL DAY 1 - 2026
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So it is the start of the Punchestown Festival and we have sent out tips in 5 races.
We are giving out two tips for free today although if you want access to all our tips over the next 6 days, including Guineas Weekend, you can do so for £9.99.
The two free tips have been chosen at random, hopefully then win but it could be that the other 3 win and that is the value in signing up for the Punchestown Festival, you miss nothing.
Free Tips
Prices correct at the time of sending to members.
4:15 Punchestown
EL CAIROS 5/2 generally – 1.5 POINTS WIN
EL CAIROS on decent ground can really show how much speed he has. We followed him at Cheltenham and although he was beaten fairly and squarely, he ran well for a long way, finishing 5th. This race is a bit weaker, the ground is better and he will really be able to use his turn of foot. Jack Kennedy described him as one of the fastest horses he has sat on, which is a huge statement. I would also say Gordon Elliott’s horses were not quite right at Cheltenham, which could explain why El Cairo ran below par.
Before Cheltenham, many were concerned about his jumping but he jumped soundly so that is no longer an issue.
You will find him travelling very well into the race and hopefully still on the bridle coming to the last, before quickening up going to the line. He is my strongest bet of the day. WIN.
3:05 Punchestown
LAUGHING JOHN 13/2 generally – 0.75 POINTS E/W (5 places, 1/5 odds)
LAUGHING JOHN could seriously perform well off a handicap mark of 120. Trained by Nicky Henderson he is very lightly raced and the best is yet to come. This race has only been run twice, and both times it went to a UK trainer. In my opinion, LAUGHING JOHN has an outstanding chance of repeating that performance, although it is a big field so we need a bit of luck in running.
He has run only twice this year, winning both races at Doncaster and Wincanton. His last outing at Wincanton was seriously impressive, featuring some great jumps.
He has not run since February, clearly saving himself for this race because he needs to go right-handed. He jumps to his right, which was the ride James Bowen gave him, keeping him wide and to the right throughout so Punchestown makes perfect sense.
It also means his handicap mark has been managed, and James Bowen is back in the saddle. He likes to race prominently, so I hope we do not have many traffic problems if he is up close to the pace. E/W.
Good Luck