Punchestown Racecourse: Preview and Tips for New Year’s Eve
Punchestown Racecourse hosts it's regular New Year's Eve meeting on Wednesday
It’s Punchestown Racecourse’s final race meeting of 2025 and the seven-race card consists of two steeplechases, four hurdle races and a bumper to conclude the afternoon.
Read on for a preview of and tips for the Punchestown card, courtesy of BOYLE Sports, who provide all the latest horse racing odds.
We begin with a three-mile beginners’ chase (12.35). Ballygunner Castle is Willie Mullins’ first string, having made a very promising chase debut at this track earlier in December, while Gordon Elliott’s Jigoro could be a player too, up in trip to three miles for the first time, which ought to suit. Slade Steel cannot be ignored for Henry De Bromhead. He is a consistent sort with more experience over fences than most of his opponents, but he is tried over three miles for the first time.
Race two is a handicap chase over two and a half miles (1.05). Robert Tyner’s JP McManus-owned Crecora Hills won his first start of the season, but has risen sharply in the weights as a result, therefore looking unlikely to repeat that form. Sammy Smart could be competitive for Thomas Gibney, but course and distance winner Hardwired could be the one to go for here, returning after a break on an attractive mark.
The third race is an extended two-mile maiden hurdle (1.35). There are six first-timers here, who have all come off the Flat to be tried over obstacles. Padraig Roche’s Saratoga was the highest rated of them all, having won for Coolmore before being purchased by JP McManus. He is proven to stay and act on soft ground, so he is intriguing. Gordon Elliott’s Wackestone sets the standard on hurdle form, though, and is the one Saratoga has to beat.
Next is a two mile and three furlong hurdle (2.05). Grade One winning chaser Spillane’s Tower is back over hurdles this term, having disappointed on his seasonal reappearance at Naas. He could improve towards his better form, but Henry De Bromhead’s Ballyadam is a higher class horse over hurdles and might be the one to beat. El Fabiolo fell on his latest two Grade One chasing starts, so is tried over the smaller obstacles, and is the highest rated of them all over fences. If he applies that ability to hurdling, he would be the one to get past.
Race five is a handicap hurdle over the same trip (2.35). A Dream To Share ought to be competitive, as should Theflyingbee and Cafe Con Leche. Gordon Elliott’s San Hilario is at the bottom of the handicap but, after a good fourth of 19 last time at Navan and some fair course form, he could earn at least a place.
An extended two-mile handicap hurdle follows (3.05). Thomas Mullins’ Space Warrior is down to an attractive mark now, so could be an option, as is Cian Collins’ Blue Reed, who wears first-time cheekpieces. Given two pounds by his rider and well qualified on soft ground, he could be our winner.
We conclude with a mares’ bumper (3.35). With numerous newcomers here, this is not an easy race to get an accurate grasp of. Sound Judgement is interesting here, a point-to-point winner, as is Red Acres Georgie, who won her point-to-point by 14 lengths. With Gordon Elliott’s horses running so well currently, Sound Judgement is probably the better choice of the two.
12.35 - Slade Steel
1.05 - Hardwired
1.35 - Saratoga
2.05 - Ballyadam
2.35 - San Hilario e/w
3.05 - Blue Reed
3.35 - Sound Judgement
