John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase |
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| Grade 1, Punchestown 14:25 €150,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 2m 3f 150y, Class 1  |
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Martin Brassil has faced a setback for Fastorslow’s seasonal reappearance as regular rider J J Slevin has not recovered from his injury in time to take the mount for a title defence.
What a race! 👏
— Punchestown (@punchestownrace) November 26, 2023
A thrilling renewal of the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase as Fastorslow confirms form with Galopin Des Champs, with the seven-year-old scoring narrowly from Appreciate It under the guidance of JJ Slevin for trainer Martin Brassil 🏆 pic.twitter.com/zOrSilqtDS
Sidelined for six weeks with a broken cuboid bone in his foot, Slevin had hoped to return but is now likely to be out until around Christmas.
Fastorslow, who has triumphed over rival Galopin Des Champs three times at Punchestown, aims to defend his crown after last year's victory over Willie Mullins' duo, Appreciate It and the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner. Leading amateur Derek O’Connor will replace Slevin this weekend on the Sean and Bernardine Mulryan-owned Fastorslow, who was still going strong when unseating at the 16th fence in the Cheltenham blue riband in March.
Brassil said, “It is a blow. We were hoping he would be back in six or seven weeks, but it’s taking longer. He’ll likely be back by Christmas or just before. I haven’t heard an update in the last few days, but hopefully, he’ll make a good recovery. Derek O’Connor will ride Fastorslow.”
Fastorslow is reported to be in good shape for his first outing since May when he outperformed Galopin Des Champs to win the Punchestown Gold Cup. Brassil added, “He seems very well and everything has gone smoothly so far. He’s more or less in the same place as last year heading for the John Durkan. His first run of the season should see him improve, so we’re happy with where he is. There’s a strong rivalry with Galopin Des Champs, and with top horses, it often depends on how they perform on the day and race tactics. We’re lucky to have some good horses around at the moment.”
With rain forecast, the softer ground will suit Fastorslow. Brassil continued, “The rain won’t harm him; he’s versatile and can handle anything from yielding to soft to heavy. We’ll see how things go and have plenty of time to plan for the rest of the season.”
At the head of the market is Mullins-trained Fact To File, stepping out of novice company after ending last term with a win in the Brown Advisory at the Cheltenham Festival. Having won twice more over obstacles and never finishing outside the top two in his seven starts, he is a formidable contender.
Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said, “This is the plan. He had a great novice season last year. He will be back on Sunday and facing some strong competitors. It’s a big task for his first run, but we’re really happy with him. Willie is happy, he’s in good form, and we’re hoping for a good run.”
John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Steeplechase
€150,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 2m 3f 150y, Class 1
11 remaining entries
Going: Yielding
NO. FORM HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY
1 283/4- Blue Lord 9 11-12 W P Mullins
2 31408- Capodanno 8 11-12 W P Mullins
3 /2111- Fact To File 7 11-12 W P Mullins
4 /12U1- Fastorslow 8 11-12 Martin Brassil
5 31112- Galopin Des Champs 8 11-12 W P Mullins
6 61/11- Grangeclare West 8 11-12 W P Mullins
7 23911- Inothewayurthinkin 6 11-12 Gavin Cromwell
8 F/317- Journey With Me 8 11-12 Henry De Bromhead
9 13631- Minella Cocooner 8 11-12 W P Mullins
10 11211- Spillane's Tower 6 11-12 James Joseph Mangan
11 12110- Limerick Lace 7 11-5 Gavin Cromwell
