Fastorslow poised for comeback in John Durkan Memorial Race
The John Durkan Memorial Chase – A Race to Savour
The upcoming John Durkan Memorial Chase promises to be an exhilarating contest, with Martin Brassil throwing another contender into the mix. Punchestown Gold Cup winner, Fastorslow, will join a star-studded field for this highly anticipated race.
Willie Mullins has already confirmed his entry of Cheltenham Gold Cup victor Galopin Des Champs, who dominated the competition in emphatic fashion last year. However, lurking in the shadows is the only horse that managed to outperform him during an exceptional 2022-23 campaign.
Fastorslow triumphed over both Galopin Des Champs and Paul Nicholls’ Bravemansgame when securing a Grade One victory earlier this spring. With odds as short as 8-1 for next year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, it seems fitting that this seven-year-old returns to the scene of his greatest achievement for his reappearance.
“He’s about four weeks away from racing and we hope to see him on November 26 at Punchestown,” said Brassil. “Over the summer months, he has thrived and remains in excellent health. We’re delighted to have such a talented horse on our hands.”
Reflecting on the potential rematch against Galopin Des Champs, Brassil added: “I believe that finishing second and third at Cheltenham took its toll on those horses; they’ll likely start off fresher this season.”
Fastorslow narrowly missed out on victory at the Cheltenham Festival earlier this year, losing by a neck to Grand National hero Corach Rambler. However, his sights are set on the Gold Cup when he returns to Prestbury Park in March.
While specific plans for his route to the blue riband event have yet to be finalized, it appears that Fastorslow will target Leopardstown’s Savills Chase during Christmas as his next stepping stone after his Punchestown comeback.
“After Leopardstown, we’ll make a decision whether he will have another run before Cheltenham,” explained Brassil. “At that point, we’ll have a clearer idea of our direction.”
“We’re hoping for an exceptional year ahead. If Fastorslow can maintain or even improve upon his performance in the Punchestown Gold Cup, then he’s certainly capable of competing at that level.”