A select but high-class field of six mares lines up for the Grade 1 SBK Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown, a contest with a notable roll of honour including recent stars such as Lossiemouth, Echoes In Rain, and Benie Des Dieux. The race is restricted to mares aged four and older and often serves as a season-ending target for top-class performers. Willie Mullins has trained 8 of the past 10 winners, and he saddles three of this year’s six runners.


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Leading Contenders

BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD (TF adj rating: 167)
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Jockey: Sam Ewing
A dual Grade 1 winner earlier this season, she lost her unbeaten record over hurdles when only fourth in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, but that was a deep contest and she’s better judged on her smooth-travelling win in the Hatton’s Grace over this trip. Back in against mares, she sets a strong standard on ratings and has no questions over trip or ground. Still relatively lightly raced for a six-year-old, she looks the one to beat if bouncing back.

> Timeform: “Very smart mare… standout claims on these terms back against her own sex.”




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JADE DE GRUGY (TF adj rating: 160)
Trainer: Willie Mullins | Jockey: Paul Townend
An impressive winner of the Quevega Hurdle over course and distance in February, she ran a big race to finish second behind Lossiemouth in the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. That form reads very well and confirms her status as a Grade 1-level performer. She’s unexposed at this trip and Mullins’ record in the race—plus Paul Townend’s 45% strike rate at Punchestown—adds further strength to her profile. A live threat.

> Timeform: “Smart mare… solid display at Cheltenham and she looks the chief threat.”




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Main Dangers

GALA MARCEAU (TF adj rating: 154)
Trainer: Willie Mullins | Jockey: Danny Mullins
She hasn’t quite built on her excellent juvenile form from last season but was a solid second at Fairyhouse last time in a Grade 2, having fallen late on when still in contention at Aintree previously. Her jumping can be inconsistent, which tempers confidence, but she’s a proven Group 1 mare on her day. Could be involved in the finish if keeping errors to a minimum.

> Timeform: “Let down by jumping at Cheltenham… no surprise to see her give her running.”




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Others to Note

JULY FLOWER (TF adj rating: 150)
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead | Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
Scored first time out for this yard in a Leopardstown Grade 3 and was a fair fifth behind Lossiemouth in the Cheltenham Mares’ Hurdle, albeit never able to land a blow in a steadily-run affair. This trip suits her better than 2m, but she does need to improve again to trouble the top two. Having been off for 53 days, any strong market support would be notable.

WYENOT (TF adj rating: 146)
Trainer: Henry Daly | Jockey: Harry Cobden
British-trained runner who’s progressed steadily this season, but this marks a sharp rise in class on her first start at Grade 1 level. Her latest effort at Kelso was below par, and although she has a likeable profile, she needs a significant step forward to be competitive.

LOT OF JOY (TF adj rating: 143)
Trainer: Willie Mullins | Jockey: Brian Hayes
Won a pair of mares’ races in the autumn but has looked short of this level in two stronger assignments since. She completes the Mullins trio, but realistically looks the yard’s third string. A watching brief may be best.


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Trainer Trends

Willie Mullins has won 8 of the last 10 runnings, including with Lossiemouth (2024) and Echoes In Rain (2023).

Gordon Elliott runs just one, but Brighterdaysahead brings the strongest rating and form from outside the Mullins camp.

Market moves are often telling here—especially for mares returning from a break (notably Jade de Grugy, July Flower, Brighterdaysahead).



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Verdict

This race revolves around whether Brighterdaysahead can return to her best after a blip at Cheltenham. She sets a clear standard on adjusted ratings and trip preference. If she underperforms again, Jade de Grugy could be the one to capitalise given her Festival run behind Lossiemouth and strong course form. Gala Marceau looks the most likely to pick up the pieces for minor money if jumping cleanly.