Western Fold (18/1) was another big-price Grade 1 winner on day one of the 2026 Punchestown Festival.
The Gordon Elliott-handled seven-year-old son of Westerner gave the trainer and stable jockey Jack Kennedy their only winner of the day when taking the Dooley Insurance Champion Novice Chase.
18/1 chance Western Fold lands Grade 1 honours in a thrilling Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase! @punchestownrace @jackkennedy15 | @gelliott_racing pic.twitter.com/cz1lUqcgUT
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 28, 2026
Fleur In The Park (11/1), winner of the Grade 1 Willow Warm Gold Cup at Fairyhouse’s Easter Festival, claimed the runner-up spot on this occasion, three-and-three-quarter lengths behind the winner.
Representing the trainer and jockey combination of Andy Slattery and Cian Quirke, the son of Grange Stud-based stallion Walk In The Park, had four-and-a-half lengths in hand on the third-place finisher Nowwhatdoyouthink (33/1) at the line.
"An unexpected one!"
Jack Kennedy on Grade 1 glory aboard Western Fold which puts him one further clear in the title race.
"I can't put my finger on it," adds the rider on El Cairos @Franmberry | @punchestownrace pic.twitter.com/DXhKT3B5pn
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 28, 2026
