Boodles Champion Hurdle
Grade 1, Punchestown 18:40 €300,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m, Class 1
Tweet Friday 1st May 2026

The prospect of a rematch between Brighterdaysahead and Lossiemouth at the Punchestown Festival, one that had the potential to lend symmetry to the closing stages of the season, now appears increasingly unlikely.

🏆 Lossiemouth wins the Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy! 🏆#ITVRacing | @WillieMullinsNH pic.twitter.com/RyXRYZgJmX

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 10, 2026

Entries for the Boodles Champion Hurdle had initially suggested the possibility of a renewed rivalry, both mares featuring among the contenders for the Grade One contest. However, in the immediate aftermath of her authoritative success in the Aintree Hurdle, connections of Brighterdaysahead have indicated that her campaign may already have reached its natural conclusion.

Elliott said: "I'd imagine Brighterdaysahead is done for the season. I know she has an entry in the two Grade 1s at Punchestown but, personally, I think she's done enough for the year and I'm happy to let her go on her holidays. She deserves it. She's had a super season. I'm so proud of her.

"She's come out of Aintree in great nick, but I feel Punchestown would be a step too far for her."

Such a decision, while removing one of the meeting’s anticipated focal points, reflects the cumulative demands of a campaign that has consistently tested both ability and resilience. Whether Brighterdaysahead returns next season over hurdles or embarks on a chasing career remains undecided, her future direction still open to consideration.

Her likely absence also carries implications beyond the race itself, subtly altering the competitive landscape of the trainers’ championship. With the Irish title now beyond reach, the emphasis shifts from pursuit to perspective.

"No, that's gone," he said. "We needed to win the Irish Grand National to have any chance and we didn't, so we definitely can't win it now, but there's no shame in that. We've had a brilliant season from start to finish and will lead Willie Mullins into the final week of the season. That's incredible when you think of it.

"As I've said all along, Willie Mullins is a special man and a special trainer and I'm just unlucky to have been born around the same time as him. Hopefully in the next three or four years we might be able to make him fight even harder for it. We'll keep trying anyway."

Attention turns to Wodhooh, who is set to take her chance in a race that may offer a more suitable stage.

Elliott said: "Wodhooh goes to Punchestown for sure. She's a super mare and we just decided that the race at Punchestown was probably the right one for her. She goes there with a big chance over her ideal trip."

British representation comes in the form of Golden Ace, from the yard of Jeremy Scott, and Wilful, the County Hurdle winner trained by Jonjo and AJ O’Neill. Both bring solid credentials, though each must now bridge the gap to the established Irish contingent.

Wilful lands the William Hill County Handicap Hurdle 🏆

A winner for Jonjo Jr, Jonjo & A J O'Neill 👏 pic.twitter.com/8sEGsAqmon

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 13, 2026

Perhaps the most intriguing inclusion, however, is William Munny, whose absence from competitive action since last season leaves his current level open to interpretation. His second-place finish in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham remains a piece of form that entitles him to consideration, though the lack of recent match practice introduces an element of uncertainty.

Connell said: “He was in that piece of work with Marine Nationale in Fairyhouse and went well.

“He’s going to be rusty and he’ll be taking on horses that are match fit, but I just wanted to get a run into him in open company ahead of next season.

“I think he’ll certainly be fit enough to do himself justice, it’ll be a small enough field and we’re happy with where he is at the moment.”

The Boodles Champion Hurdle, as ever, offers a final measure of hierarchy within the division. For some, it is an opportunity to confirm; for others, to challenge. In such company, reputation alone is rarely sufficient, and the closing exchanges may yet reshape the season’s narrative one final time.

Punchestown Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)
€300,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m, Class 1
12 entries
Going:

PAST RESULTS

* Run at Leopardstown