REIGNING Champion Hurdle hero State Man will bid to join illustrious company at the Punchestown Premiere Weekend when chasing a third straight win in the Grade 1 Unibet Morgiana Hurdle - something only Limestone Lad and Hurricane Fly have achieved in modern times.

Willie Mullins has indicated this is very much the plan for his prolific two-mile hurdler, who has won 12 of his 15 lifetime starts and has never finished out of the first two when completing the course.

The 2023/’24 campaign was a flawless one for Joe and Marie Donnelly’s ultra-reliable performer, notching five straight Grade 1s - including the Boodles Champion Hurdle when last seen in action at the Punchestown Festival. Mullins will also be seeking a record-extending 14th win in the Morgiana. There is no shortage of quality in the champion trainer’s entries for the €150,000 prize (boosted by €30,000 since 2023).

The presence of last season’s superstar novice Ballyburn among the 12 remaining possible runners caught the eye of many, given he is currently high in ante-post markets for the major novice chases this term. It would be fascinating if connections opt to let him take his chance here.

Festival form

Brilliant mare Lossiemouth and dual top-level scorer Mystical Power are waiting in the wings for the Closutton arsenal. The pair, as well as both State Man and Ballyburn, were all Grade 1 winners at the Punchestown Festival on their most recent outings.

Gordon Elliott has never made secret of the high regard in which he holds Brighterdaysahead, and a possible trip to the Punchestown Premiere Weekend was mentioned for the exciting mare after she made a winning comeback at Down Royal earlier this month. She looks the biggest threat to the Mullins troops.

Completing the possible field are Sir Gerhard, Daddy Long Legs, Winter Fog, Aspire Tower, Fils D’oudairies, Smooth Tom and No Looking Back.

All in all, last year’s Punchestown Premiere Weekend was a rich source of stars for the remainder of the season. Away from the graded action, the Conway Piling Beginners Chase proved a spectacular piece of form, with Arkle winner Gaelic Warrior beating Cheltenham and Aintree Festival scorer Inothewayurthinkin, while recent Cheltenham winner Senor Chief filled the frame in third.

Another Cheltenham Festival winner, Lark In The Mornin, could have been spotted in second in what is now the Total Event Rental 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle, while high-class chasers Flooring Porter and Quilixios were among the beaten runners in a competitive Florida Pearl Novice Chase, sponsored by Boodles in 2024.

The 2024 Punchestown Premiere Weekend

First race 11.30am/11.35am

Last race 3.25pm/3.32pm

Gates 10.00am

Last orders One hour after the last (approx.)

Racing schedule

Day 1 - Saturday 23rd November

11.30 Total Event Rental 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle of €15,000

12.00 Sebden Steel Maiden Hurdle of €12,500

12.30 Conway Piling Beginners Steeplechase of €13,000

1.00 Boodles Florida Pearl Novice Steeplechase (Grade 2) of €36,500

1.35 Ryans Cleaning Handicap Steeplechase of €45,000

2.10 Unibet Morgiana Hurdle (Grade 1) of €150,000

2.50 Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) of €15,000

3.25 Mervyn Gray Construction (Pro/Am) Flat Race of €11,500

Day 2 - Sunday 24th November

11.35 Colm Quinn Risk Of Thunder Steeplechase of €17,000

12.05 I.N.H Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle of €15,000

12.40 Frontline Security Grabel Mares Hurdle (Listed) of €25,000

1:15 Pertemps Network Group Hurdle (Qualifier) of €22,000

1.50 BetVictor Craddockstown Novice Steeplechase (Grade 2) of €36,500

2.25 John Durkan Memorial Steeplechase (Grade 1) of €150,000

3.00 Sherry Fitzgerald Brady O’Flaherty Supporting Longford GAA Novice Handicap Hurdle of €16,000

3.32 €50,000 BetVictor Graduation (Pro/Am) Flat Race of €10,500

Tickets – book at www.punchestown.com/fixtures

  • Probably the best deal in sport – €25 all-weekend ticket. An ‘all you can eat’ racing buffet! This offer ends 9pm Sunday 17th November
  • Advance Tickets (available until 9pm the day before your chosen fixture) – €15pp
  • Tickets are available on the day and will cost €20
  • Seniors & Students – €15 with ID available on the day only
  • Family – €25 for 2 adults with kids (on the day only)
  • Children 14 years and under race for free.

    • Our Famous Race & Dine

    from €65pp

    ENHANCE your race day with family and friends from only €65pp up to €115pp. Options range from private suites with tailored menus to our flagship Corinthian and Watch House restaurants, offering some of the most highly-reviewed food in racing enjoyed with the best views in sport.

    Music, shops, snacks and strolls

    ASIDE from top-class Grade 1 racing, there will be live music from Evolution (Saturday) and The Sandmen (Sunday) available to all and located in the grandstand.

    Retail therapy

    A collection of exhibitors including Sarah Lennon Art, Cosimac, Devils Edge Shirts, Celtic Tweed, Sophie Hunter Millinery and Agent 74 outdoor pursuits and collectables will be located in the festive pavilion inside the turnstiles.

    Can we assist?

    THE best way to keep up to date is to follow Punchestown’s social media channels. However, please feel free to contact the Punchestown team for further assistance on 045 897704 or email info@punchestown.com