WILLIE MULLINS will be locked and loaded on Wednesday as he seeks to land his fifth Punchestown Gold Cup with Al Boum Photo. The star seven-year-old bolted up at the Cheltenham Festival and will bid for his second Grade 1 success on the bounce. Heading to Kildare with an embarrassment of riches, Mullins will also […]
WILLIE MULLINS will be locked and loaded on Wednesday as he seeks to land his fifth Punchestown Gold Cup with Al Boum Photo.
The star seven-year-old bolted up at the Cheltenham Festival and will bid for his second Grade 1 success on the bounce.
Heading to Kildare with an embarrassment of riches, Mullins will also be represented by recent Aintree victor Kemboy and last year’s winner Bellshill in the valuable contest.
Ryanair also-ran Monalee will return to a longer trip for the first time since Christmas, while Snow Falcon, Sub Lieutenant and The Storyteller bolster a strong home team.
Brian Ellison completes the field by sending over Charlie Hall winner Definitly Red.
Earlier on the card, the Grade 1 3m Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle sees Albert Bartlett winner Minella Indo return to action.
The Cheltenham hero will bid to once again get the better of Commander Of Fleet and Allaho, who finished second and third behind the 50-1 shot at Prestbury Park.
Willie Mullins fields another powerful squad, with Carefully Selected, Castlebawn West and Salsaretta joining Allaho, while Noel Meade runs Cap York, First Approach and School Boy Hours.
Defi Bleu, Gallant John Joe, Go Another One, School Boy Hours and Walk Away complete the 13-strong field.
