Race Overview:

The La Touche Cup is the crown jewel of Punchestown’s cross-country programme, run over a unique banks course that tests stamina, balance, and experience like few others. With 16 declared runners and a pace forecast marked as very weak, race positioning and cross-country experience could prove more decisive than raw ability alone.


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Leading Contenders:

The Goffer (Timeform Adjusted Rating: 160)
Gordon Elliott’s gelding is rated the pick at these weights by Timeform and arrives here after shaping well in deep contests, including a strong third in the Topham at Aintree. This step up in trip and drop in intensity could suit ideally. His stamina and ability to jump fluently at pace set a solid platform, and he’s one of few with a recent strong run over fences in a major race.

Vanillier (TFR: 158)
A proven class performer who bolted up over this course in February, beating the smart Coko Beach. He failed to land a blow in the Grand National last time, but that effort may be forgiven given the nature of that race. Gavin Cromwell’s runner has top credentials for this test and should be well suited by the extreme distance, though Timeform notes he “was never going” at Aintree and often requires headgear. He’ll need to bounce back, but on peak form, he’s a major force.

Stealthy Tom (TFR: 155)
Has an excellent Punchestown cross-country record, and though his most recent run was underwhelming, he tends to come alive at this course. Timeform flags his strong historical form in similar races and his handler Enda Bolger has twice won this contest in the past decade. A reliable jumper and a proven stayer, he’s a strong each-way proposition with 16 runners lining up.


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Main Dangers:

Three By Two (TFR: 141)
One of the more intriguing runners from the Denis Murphy yard, he caught the eye behind Vanillier last time when still chasing the winner two out. With race conditions to suit and an ideal pace setup, he could be a serious improver in this sphere. Lacks the class of the top pair but appears to be on the up and is one of the more progressive cross-country types in the field.

Busselton (TFR: 143+)
Joseph O’Brien’s gelding is a classy sort with respectable hurdles and chase form and may benefit from the slow gallop forecast. He shaped better than the bare result in the Cheltenham cross-country in December and is tactically well-positioned. Not always the most fluent at these fences but brings back-form that entitles him to respect.


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Interesting Outsiders:

Read To Return (TFR: 122)
Won a similar event at Fairyhouse last time under female riders and has shown flashes of ability over varying trips. With Derek O’Connor booked and a recent win to build on, he might sneak into the frame if improving again for the marathon test. Not the most consistent, but he’s proven to act on slower ground and has match fitness on side.

Vital Island (TFR: 134?)
Won this race back in 2023 and remains an enigmatic Punchestown specialist. He returns from a year off and is now 13 years old, so clearly risks are attached. However, he’s a dual La Touche scorer and multiple point winner, including a recent win in that sphere. Market support would be significant given the break — trainer R. P. O’Keeffe has gone close here before.


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Notable Absence:

Transprint – A recent cross-country winner here and would have been of real interest, but is a non-runner.


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Trends and Trainers to Note:

Enda Bolger has won this race twice in the past ten years, and Peter Maher (trainer of outsider Subset) also has two wins in that time.

Recent renewals have seen big-priced winners, including 28/1 and 33/1 shots in the last four runnings.

Experience over Punchestown’s cross-country fences has consistently proven a key advantage.

Timeform Smart Stats highlight Keith Donoghue’s 42% strike rate on chase favourites, backing up confidence in Vanillier.



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Conclusion:

The Goffer has the profile of a well-placed improver and rates the one to beat if his Aintree form translates. Vanillier sets the standard on class and previous course form but must be forgiven his Grand National run. Stealthy Tom and Three By Two have track suitability and strong cross-country credentials, while Busselton could be tactically advantaged if allowed a soft lead.

Keep a close eye on Vital Island in the betting — any market confidence would hint that the 2023 winner is ready to roll again.