'It's Chacun's track' - Patrick Mullins on Chacun Pour Soi v Energumene

The blockbuster showdown between Chacun Pour Soi and Energumene in the William Hill Champion Chase (5.25) at Punchestown on Tuesday has Patrick Mullins bubbling with excitement as he looks forward to being reunited with the course specialist who is unbeaten at the track.

A stellar field of five has been declared for the opening-day feature of the Punchestown festival and, just like last year when he overpowered Allaho, one of Chacun Pour Soi's stablemates is standing in his way.

This time it is Energumene and, unsurprisingly, Paul Townend has stayed loyal to the horse who ended Willie Mullins' hoodoo in the Queen Mother Champion Chase last month with an impressive eight-and-a-half length victory over Funambule Sivola, after both Chacun Pour Soi and Shishkin had departed the scene.

Chacun Pour Soi was still in front when getting rid of Mullins five fences from home and the record-breaking amateur rider thinks a return to Punchestown will bring out the best in the six-time Grade 1 winner.

Mullins said: "I'm delighted to be back on Chacun Pour Soi at a track where he has put in some of his best performances. I think we can give the new kid on the block something to think about."

The field is completed by Envoi Allen, Andy Dufresne and Captain Guinness.

Ballymore winner Sir Gerhard is back over two miles for the first Grade 1 of the festival, the Bective Stud Champion Novice Hurdle (4.15), but it is no penalty kick as the tearaway Dysart Dynamo is in opposition.

Patrick Mullins: will be crowned champion amateur for a record-extending 14th timeCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Mullins reports him to be none the worse for his crashing fall three out in the Supreme at Cheltenham, and thinks he may have learned from the episode.

He said: "Myself and Dysart Dynamo teamed up to win at the Punchestown festival last year and I think Punchestown is a track that plays to his strengths.

"The fall at Cheltenham doesn't seem to have done him any harm and he probably would have learned from it. I'm looking forward to playing catch me if you can."

Mullins, who also rides Rocco Bay in the Goffs Land Rover Bumper, Good Bye Sam in the Ladies Cup and Lisnagar Fortune in the concluding bumper, will be crowned champion amateur for a record-extending 14th time.

Reflecting on yet another cracking campaign, he said: "It's been a fabulous season. It was great to get some winners at a lot of the big festivals and I'd love to sign off with a winner or two at Punchestown. It would be a magic way to top it all off."

Tuesday's card will also feature the return of Bob Olinger for his first start since being gifted success in the Turners Novices' Chase. He faces six rivals in the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase (6.35).

Bective Stud Champion Novice Hurdle (4.15)

1 Dysart DynamoPatrick Mullins
2 Gatsby GreyBarry Browne
3 Mighty PotterJack Kennedy
4 Sir Gerhard Paul Townend
5 Vina ArdanzaDavy Russell

William Hill Champion Chase (5.25)

1 Andy Dufresne Mark Walsh
2 Captain GuinnessDavy Russell
3 Chacun Pour Soi Patrick Mullins
4 EnergumenePaul Townend
5 Envoi Allen Rachael Blackmore

Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase (6.35)

1 Beacon EdgeSean Flanagan
2 Bob OlingerRachael Blackmore
3 CapodannoMark Walsh
4 Fury RoadJack Kennedy
5 Lifetime AmbitionRobbie Power
6 Millers BankKielan Woods
7 Ballyshannon RoseBrian Hayes

Cards and betting for Punchestown on Tuesday

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Paul Nolan hoping for bright end to tough season with strong Punchestown team

'Chacun Pour Soi has a new star to contend with' - five key Punchestown clashes

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