Gorgeous Tom wins by 22 lengths at Punchestown
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Wed 14 Oct 2026
Gorgeous Tom continued Henry de Bromhead’s fine recent run when running away with the Grade Three Matchbook Betting Exchange Chase, winning nudged out by Darragh O’Keefe by 22 lengths from Croke Park.
De Bromhead and O’Keefe were on target in the Matchbook Betting Exchange Mares Handicap Hurdle earlier on the card with The Dotski (evens favourite), continuing a fine run of five winners since Saturday.
Gorgeous Tom (4-6 favourite) was a 20-1 shot when encountering no luck in running in the Grand National at Aintree last April, hampered not once but twice before finishing 12th, beaten 42 lengths.
But the eight-year-old encountered had little trouble this time, always in control of the pace, he pulled readily clear on the run in to win a fifth race of his career.
“He was brilliant and Darragh was brilliant on him. We felt it would be good to try one of these conditions races after running in those big handicaps and it was lovely he went and did it,” said De Bromhead.
“We’ll see (about targets), we’ve a few ideas. There’s the Hennessy (Coral Gold Cup), which he was fourth in last year after kind of missing the start and being on the back foot, or I think we should maybe think about the Savills or something like that as he was so good there.”
Earlier on the card, Gordon Elliott was rewarded for a last-minute change of heart as Chanceawetmorning coasted to a second victory over fences in the Matchbook Betting Exchange Novice Chase at Punchestown.
The Grade Three contest was not originally on the six-year-old gelding’s radar but the Cullentra House handler gave in to a late throw of the dice when seeing the race cut up to just four entries.
“I only stuck him in the race at 11.50 the other morning when I saw the very small entry,” said Elliott. “I thought the trip was a bit short for him but he was very tough. He wants further so I was very worried about the (two-miles-two-furlongs) trip.”
Elliott had few worries in the race itself with Chanceawetmorning taking his time to get into the contest as favourite Bunting and Paul Townend took the field along but gathered in the leaders entering the straight.
Hitting the front two out the gelding stayed on well to land the contest by 13 lengths from Sir Allen who benefitted from Bunting’s last fence blunder which gave Townend no chance of staying on board.
“Jack (Kennedy) said early he skidded into the first fence and lost his confidence a bit but he stayed going very well,” added Elliott. “He probably wouldn’t want real winter ground but we’ll see what happens. He’s after winning four or five races for us this summer so it’s great.”
Gavin Cromwell was also in double form with Lunar Stride (5-2) winning the opener, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Academy Hurdle under Kevin Sexton and Fiveandahalf (6-5 favourite) following up in the Matchbook #50,000 Graduation Series Maiden Hurdle 35 minutes later under Keith Donoghue.
Related posts
Saturday ante-post tips: 33-1, 16-1 and 12-1 Ascot selections
Champions Day 2026: your essential guide
Timeform 10 To Follow: Willie Mullins reveals who’s “top of the pile” in novice division
Ryan Moore: the inside track on my Champions Day rides
William Haggas: the inside track on my Champions Day runners
Featured offers
Bet £20 and Get £40 in Free Bets with Unibet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
18+. GambleAware.org. New GB customers only. Min £20 debit card or instant banking transfer deposit. Place a £20+ bet on Horse Racing at min odds 2/5 (1.4) each leg for 4x £10 Free Bets (can be used on Racing Bet Builder). Claim within 30 days. Valid for Horse Racing only. Geographical restrictions and Further T&C’s apply
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with talkSPORT BET
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
New Customers. Opt in, deposit and bet £10+ on any horse racing markets within 7 days of sign up. Get 3 x £10 Free Bets for set horse racing markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ GambleAware
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
New UK customers. Place a £10 real money bet at min. 2.0 odds within 5 days of deposit. Get 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 Single, 2 Accas & 1 Bet Builder (min. 3 selections each). Excludes cashout, E/W, Multis, Ineligible Markets & Odds Boosts. Credited after bet settlement. 7-day expiry. T&Cs apply. 18+ GambleAware
Get 50% back up to £50 with QuinnBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
New UK Customers Only. Bet £10+ on any sportsbook markets at odds of evens (2.00) or greater. Get 50% back of your first day’s losses as a Free Bet up to £50, valid for 7 days. 18+ GambleAware.
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved