Insights from those closely associated with the John Durkan Memorial Chase
Galopin Des Champs Seeks Redemption against Fastorslow in John Durkan Memorial Chase
The upcoming clash between Galopin Des Champs and Fastorslow in the John Durkan Memorial Chase promises to be a battle of revenge. After suffering an unexpected defeat to Fastorslow at Punchestown earlier this year, Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs will have the opportunity to even the score.
Trained by Willie Mullins, Galopin Des Champs proved his stamina over three and a quarter miles at Cheltenham, dispelling any doubts about his capabilities. Last season, he won this very race with ease, leaving Fastorslow far behind. It seemed impossible for him to be beaten.
However, things took a turn when he faced Martin Brassil’s new star at the Punchestown Gold Cup. Losing by two and a quarter lengths was undoubtedly a setback for Galopin Des Champs. Now facing off again in the John Durkan Memorial Chase, all eyes are on him.
Sent off as the heavy favorite at 4-11 odds back in April, Galopin Des Champs finds himself once again as the long odds-on favorite with Fastorslow being the only non-Mullins-trained runner in this Grade One event.
“Galopin Des Champs is looking good heading into Punchestown and I hope he puts up a strong performance,” said champion trainer Willie Mullins. “He has already won this race before – although it takes place slightly earlier this year and some of our opponents may find it more favorable distance-wise.”
Mullins also fields Stattler – second to Galopin Des Champs in February’s Irish Gold Cup – along with Blue Lord, Asterion Forlonge and Appreciate It for the highly competitive race.
Assistant trainer Patrick Mullins expressed his thoughts on Galopin Des Champs’ chances, stating, “Galopin Des Champs claimed victory in this very same race last year. Although it’s taking place two weeks earlier this time around, that shouldn’t pose a problem. Considering our horse’s preference for shorter distances, hopefully we can turn the tables.”
Talking about the other runners from their yard, Mullins added, “Asterion Forlonge finished second to Klassical Dream at the Punchestown Festival and was performing well in this race two years ago before unseating. He is always one to watch out for.
“I will be riding Appreciate It, who may have disappointed us a bit last season despite running well at a high level. I believe he has more potential than what his form shows and could be a contender.
“Stattler might struggle with the distance being on the shorter side while Blue Lord adds further competitiveness as another Grade One winner in this field.”
The jockey who triumphed over Galopin Des Champs back in April was J.J. Slevin aboard Fastorslow. Slevin believes that his mount has even more to offer this season as he turns eight years old.
“Fastorslow possesses incredible speed which sets him apart,” revealed Slevin during an interview at Punchestown Racecourse. “That’s what separates good horses from others – their ability to effortlessly cover ground without losing momentum. That was his main advantage last year.
He confidently passed them by comfortably when leading but did need some luck once he hit the front – still it felt like an easy win.
I think there is untapped potential within him; he hasn’t been heavily campaigned yet, and this year could be his peak.”
Brassil always had the John Durkan Chase in mind as Fastorslow’s comeback race. He expressed excitement about the upcoming event saying, “Fastorslow returning to Punchestown for the John Durkan Chase was an obvious choice, and we are eagerly anticipating it.
This time around, conditions will differ with different ground and a shorter distance compared to the Punchestown Gold Cup. However, we have a talented horse on our hands, and we hope for a promising run.
We must acknowledge that facing Willie Mullins’ battalion is no easy task; nevertheless, having a horse like Fastorslow who potentially improves with age is fantastic.”