DAY two of the 2026 Punchestown Festival featured five graded races, and with the exception of Gaelic Warrior’s stunning success in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup, all were won by horses recording their first blacktype success. It was also a day of joy for French breeding.

Zanoosh was all the rage for the Grade 1 novice hurdle, but she was no match for the rising star Le Frimeur (Gemix). The five-year-old will always have a place in the heart of Harry Derham, providing him with his first win at the highest level, and sporting the familiar colours of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede. Bred by Sandra and Herve Cozenot, his only auction appearance was at the Goffs Arkle Sale two years ago, selling from the Cummins’ Rathurtin Stud to Highflyer Bloodstock for €50,000.