Mullins strike force in Champion Chase

Punchestown, Tuesday, 25 April: The starting signal for the five-day "Festival 2023` is given today at the Racecourse in Punchestown.

In the Champion Chase (4th race/18.25 hrs/300.000 Euro/3218 m) the way to victory leads over Energumene (Paul Townend) from the stable of Willie Mullins. The nine-year-old currently crowned his career with victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase (Group 1). Twelve months ago, he did not give training companion Chacun Pour Soi (Danny Mullins) the slightest chance. Other horses from the Mullins quarter are Gentleman De Mee (Mark Walsh) and Blue Lord (Daryl Jacob). Both recently contested the Dublin Chase (Group 1), with the former taking seven lengths off his rival. Completing the five-strong field are Magic Daze (Rachael Blackmore) and Rebel Gold (Denis O`Regan), who have won this season but will be stretched to the limit in today`s company.