The list of entries for the opening days of this month’s Punchestown Festival has been revealed, and there are some mouthwatering clashes in the offing
The Punchestown Gold Cup is the biggest prize, and has attracted a sterling field from both sides of the Irish Sea. Cheltenham Gold Cup second and third, Djakadam and Road To Riches, lead the Irish challenge for Willie Mullins and Noel Meade, but Mullins also has Champagne Fever among his six entries, while Paul Nicholls looks set to bring Aintree winner Silviniaco Conti over for the race.
Don Poli and Don Cossack are both also in the field but could swerve the big race for alternative targets. Don Poli, who romped home in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham, is entered in the Champion Novice Chase, where he could clash with fellow Mullins chasing star – and potential 2016 Cheltenham Gold Cup rival – Vautour for the first time.
A glittering line-up could also see Irish Grand National winner Thunder And Roses, Cheltenham winners Cause of Causes and Irish Cavalier and Fairyhouse victor Gilgamboa take the start.
Don Cossack, meanwhile, could target the Champion Chase after tanking up at Aintree last week. Another stern test awaits here, though, with Vautour and yet another Mullins star, Un De Sceaux, shaping up as potential opponents.
Elsewhere, Douvan is set to make his reappearance after winning the opening race at Cheltenham, heading the field in the Champions Novices’ Hurdle, a race won last year by reigning champion hurdler Faugheen.
