King Rasko Gray (8/13 favorite) followed up his victory in the Grade 1 Turners’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March with another victory at the top level at Punchestown on Friday afternoon.
Competing in the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle, the gray owned by Audrey and Greg Turley was the first part of a Grade 1 double that day for trainer Willie Mullins and stable jockey Paul Townend.
Holds on
Turners Novices’ Hurdle winner King Rasko Gray comes home ahead of the fast-finishing Lord Byron in the Grade 1 Champion Novice Hurdle. @punchestownrace. @WillieMullinsNH | @PTownend pic.twitter.com/9HfEidpfwS
– Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 1, 2026
The six-year-old French gelding held off a late challenge from British-trained Lord Byron as the Faye Bramley-led son of Camelot continued to close the gap approaching the line.
As they hit the winning post, King Rasko Gray had a lead advantage over the four-year-old ridden by Harry Cobden.
Kiely’s Place (10/1), also representing the winning handler, took third place under the trainer’s son, Patrick.
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