It’s On The Line edges Viroflay in thrilling Champion Hunters at Punchestown

Punchestown – Thursday, May 2, 2025
Race 2: The Event Power Champion Hunters Steeplechase (4.15, 3m 100y)

It was domination, then drama, then thunderous release — and in the end, It’s On The Line delivered under a superb ride from Mr D. O’Connor, running down long-time leader Viroflay (FR) in a finish that gripped the biggest Thursday crowd seen at Punchestown in years.

The Boodles Champion Hurdle Day always brings energy. But this? This was electricity.

Viroflay, trained by Miss O. Nicholls, had taken control of the race from the third fence and looked to have it sealed entering the final circuit. Jumping fluently and pressing the pace, she opened up an eight-to-ten length advantage over the field — and held it.

But as they approached the second-last, the rhythm changed. It’s On The Line — the favourite, trained by Emmet Mullins — had tracked from mid-pack and began to surge. Hollow Games (3rd), Ontheropes (4th), and Go Another One (5th) were all in pursuit, but it was the clash up front that defined the race.

Neck-and-neck over the second-last. Half a length in it at the final fence. And on the climb to the line, it was O’Connor who found more.Final result:
1st – It’s On The Line (8)
2nd – Viroflay (13)
3rd – Hollow Games (7)
4th – Ontheropes (10)
5th – Go Another One (6)

Crowd noise built with every stride. The stands — filled with teenagers, students, and generations of regulars — erupted as they crossed the line. O’Connor gave a brief salute but was all business returning to the parade ring.

“It was a dominant performance up until the second-last by Viroflay,” one observer said. “But O’Connor just timed it perfectly. Brilliant ride.”

The track, briefly overcast during the early races, had bloomed again under sunshine by the off. It was a moment that matched the mood — a packed Punchestown buzzing with half-day schoolgoers, families, and young racing fans soaking up one of the festival’s signature contests.

For Mullins and O’Connor, this was another feather. For Viroflay, gallant in defeat, the form is solid. But for those in attendance — it was a memory. A proper Champion Hunters. And a live-wire afternoon at a festival in full flow.

Next: Eyes now turn to the feature Grade 1 — the Boodles Champion Hurdle — but Race 2 will linger. It wasn’t just a win. It was a takeover.