A small but select field lines up for this year’s renewal of the KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle, traditionally one of the cornerstones of Punchestown’s spring festival. With a very weak pace forecast, tactical nous could be every bit as important as raw class, and it’s no surprise to see Willie Mullins strongly represented as he seeks yet another win in a race he has dominated in the past decade.

Strongest Contenders:

Kopek Des Bordes (W. P. Mullins / P. Townend) – Timeform 168p

Unbeaten in four career starts and already the standout two-mile novice hurdler of his generation, Kopek Des Bordes produced a commanding performance to land the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last time. His pedigree suggests chasing is his long-term future, but for now, he holds a clear edge on ratings. The form of his Brave Inca win at Leopardstown prior to Cheltenham was also deeply impressive, beating subsequent winners.
🔹 Trainer Trend: Willie Mullins has won 8 of the past 10 runnings of this race.
🔹 Tactical note: His ability to travel strongly off any pace makes the very weak pace forecast a plus.

Salvator Mundi (W. P. Mullins / Mr P. W. Mullins) – Timeform 162

An improving gelding who secured his Grade 1 when running out an easy winner at Aintree’s Top Novices’ Hurdle, Salvator Mundi has made giant strides this spring. He was well behind Kopek Des Bordes at Cheltenham, but turned in a much sharper display last time, suggesting he is still progressing.
🔹 Profile note: By No Risk At All, like Kopek Des Bordes — so stamina and staying potential shouldn’t be an issue.
🔹 Equipment: Wore a tongue-tie in his Aintree success and keeps it today.

Main Danger:

Irancy (W. P. Mullins / M. P. Walsh) – Timeform 149

A strong, sturdy type who got back on the up when winning Fairyhouse’s Hardy Eustace Novices’ Hurdle last month. Irancy is a consistent performer, though the standard of that win leaves him with a little to find against the top two. Still, he handles yielding ground well and might be the one to pick up pieces if anything goes wrong for the principals.
🔹 Pedigree Watch: A half-brother to smart performer Darasso suggests stamina over 2m is no issue.
🔹 Trainer Trend: Another of Mullins’ quartet, and rarely one to dismiss lightly at this meeting.

Interesting Outsiders:

Karbau (W. P. Mullins / D. E. Mullins) – Timeform 151

A neat, compact gelding who has already shown useful form, including a clear third to Salvator Mundi at Aintree. Karbau will likely be staying on at the finish but might struggle for tactical pace if this becomes a sprint. Still, he has some upside and could be an interesting play for minor honours.

Fleetfoot (J. S. Bolger / K. Donoghue)

A flat recruit, Fleetfoot made a very novicey start to his hurdling career at Fairyhouse, and while he is entitled to come on for that, this is a huge leap in class.
🔹 Note on Recent Run: Only seen 44 days ago, so fitness shouldn’t be a major concern, but a market watch is advised given the big class rise.

Whinney Hill (G. Elliott / S. Ewing)

Tailed off behind Kopek Des Bordes when last seen, and rated a full 36 pounds below the favourite by Timeform (132). He would be a surprise package if hitting the frame, though Gordon Elliott’s runners at this Festival are always worth a second glance.

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✍️ Final Word:

This looks set up for Kopek Des Bordes to confirm his superiority, particularly with the likely slow pace playing to his ability to quicken smartly off a steady gallop. Salvator Mundi‘s progress through the spring has been impressive, and he should get much closer than at Cheltenham. Irancy and Karbau look the best options for those hunting for a bit of value in the place markets, but realistically, it’s hard to look past the Mullins one-two.