Thursday 1 May 2025 | 2m7f110y | 4yo+ | Yielding | €180,000 | 11 runners

A strong and deep renewal of this Grade 1 staying hurdle, where proven top-level form meets several rising types and one or two horses with notable profiles at bigger prices. The pace is forecast to be even, so stamina and race fitness should play a key role. A solid gallop typically brings the classier stayers to the fore on this undulating track.

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🧩 Race Trends & Trainer Records

• Willie Mullins has won this race 4 times in the last 10 renewals, including three on the bounce with Klassical Dream (2021–2023). He runs Asterion Forlonge and Winter Fog.
• Jessica Harrington (Jetara) has also landed two editions, including with Jezki and Supasundae.
• Gordon Elliott won this last year with Teahupoo, who returns to defend his crown.

Recent winners have often:

• Already proven themselves at 3 miles
• Run well at Cheltenham or Aintree (or been specifically saved for this)
• Been trained by a major yard with festival form

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⭐️ Leading Contenders

Teahupoo (Timeform Rating: 171) – Gordon Elliott / Sam Ewing

The reigning champion comes here after finishing second in the Cheltenham Stayers’ Hurdle, where he gave best to Bob Olinger but finished clear of the rest. He acts well at Punchestown and on yielding to soft ground, and is still the benchmark in the staying hurdle division. However, he’s returning just under 50 days after that hard race and doesn’t always look the strongest stayer when the race turns into a grind. Market support will tell the story.

Hiddenvalley Lake (169) – Henry de Bromhead / D. J. O’Keeffe

Continues to progress, landing the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree in decisive style. That form reads strongly in the context of this race. He’s fresher than some of his main rivals, has been kept over hurdles by a top yard who clearly believes there’s more to come, and the pace setup should suit his long-striding, rhythmical style. A major player.

Jetara (165) – Jessica Harrington / James Bowen

Has improved with each run this season and was third behind Hiddenvalley Lake at Aintree, closing well late. Carries a valuable 7lb mares’ allowance and has been kept on the go through the spring. Connections have won this before and she’s a live place angle, especially if the race unfolds late.

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⚠️ Main Dangers & Interesting Outsiders

Crambo (164) – Fergal O’Brien / Jonathan Burke

The Long Walk Hurdle winner from December, edging out Hiddenvalley Lake, but fell heavily early at Cheltenham. On ratings he holds a solid chance, but he’s been absent for 49 days and market signals will be key to assessing his readiness.

Rocky’s Diamond (163) – Declan Queally / S. Fitzgerald

Progressive over the winter, including a win in the Galmoy Hurdle. Ran a solid race at Cheltenham, finishing fourth in the Stayers’ Hurdle. Still lightly raced at this level and could be one to sneak into the frame if the principals underperform.

Asterion Forlonge (162) – W. P. Mullins / P. Townend

Has twice finished runner-up in this race and is a known Punchestown specialist. Often let down by jumping over fences, but goes well back over hurdles. Unseated over fences last time, but he’s typically kept for this meeting and can’t be ruled out entirely on place terms.

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🕵️ Others to Note

• Home By The Lee (161) has Grade 1 form but signs of decline in recent runs; pulled up at Aintree and arrives with something to prove.
• Winter Fog (159) is admirably consistent, but likely just below the standard required at this level.
• Franciscan Rock and Colonel Mustard are capable at graded handicap level but this is a stiff test.
• Meet and Greet looks held on all known form.

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📌 Summary & Betting Considerations

This year’s Champion Stayers Hurdle looks a high-quality renewal with proven Grade 1 performers and rising stayers in opposition.

• Teahupoo is the one to beat on raw ability and past form, but he faces a resurgent Hiddenvalley Lake, who arrives on the back of a career-best and may get the perfect pace scenario to launch another strong staying effort.
• Jetara, with her mares’ allowance, continues to improve and fits the profile of a place value angle, particularly in an 11-runner field.
• Market moves should be noted for Crambo, who could outrun his price if back to full fitness.