The Punchestown Festival is Ireland’s premier Spring NH attraction with Grade 1 racing spread over five action packed days. Yorton graduates featured heavily yesterday (Wed 1 May) with REDPEMPTION DAY (Blue Bresil) oozing class in winning the Grade 1 Champion Bumper for Willie Mullins.

Giving owner Tim O’Driscoll his maiden Grade 1 victory, the Yorton/Peel Bloodstock homebred gelding cemented his place as one of the most talented horses within the Closutton barracks after an interrupted 2022/23 season.

The Racing Post commented afterwards ‘was second to Facile Vega in this race two years previously, and the decision to stick to bumpers after two seasons off paid dividends. Not eligible for Cheltenham as a seven-year-old, he had won a good Fairyhouse contest easily and this was more impressive still. He quickened on the outer of the field as they swung in, got there on the bridle and only had to be pushed out. He has plenty of gears and is clearly a high-class prospect to go jumping with in the autumn. He also handles any ground. There is plenty to like.’

Redemption Day (pic above) was sold as a 2yo at the 2019 Yorton Sale for £40,000 to Donnchadh Doyle.

Race Result - HERE

A little earlier on the same card, another homebred, HIGH CLASS HERO, was placed second in the Grade 1 Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle, only beaten 1/2 L by stable mate Dancing City. Another bred in partnership with Will Kinsey (Peel Bloodstock), the son of Sulamani was sold as a foal to big Yorton supporters, the Bleahen brothers.

The Racing Post commented ‘lost his unbeaten record under rules when pulled up in the Albert Bartlett, getting wound up and failing to settle. He was fine on that score this time, however, and recorded a career best, improving for the drier ground and pulling clear with his stablemate. It’ll presumably be chasing for him as well next season.’

Race Result - HERE

POSTPONED has been extremely well received by breeders in his maiden season at Yorton having transferred from Darley earlier this year & one of his daughters looks be a force to be reckoned with as FAMILIAR DREAMS (pic below) brought up an impressive four timer in the Grade 3 Weatherbys General Stud Book Irish EBF Mares Bumper under Aine O’Connor. Described as ‘tough as nails’ in the post race reports, the 5yo mare will be offered for sale at tonight’s Goffs Punchestown Sale (Thursday 2 May) after racing.

Postponed is on course to cover a strong book of mares this season & with his eldest only 5yo’s, he looks set to follow in the footsteps of previous residents such as Blue Bresil, Sulamani, Great Pretender etc.

Race Result - HERE

Featured Stallions

Postponed (IRE)