Flemenstar and Sir Des Champs along with, Rubi Light, spark up the John Durkan Memorial Chase
The John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown will be highlighted by the clash between Flemenstar and Sir Des Champs. Both have grown famous and popular in their own way and the latter demands more attention also because of his trainer.
The seven-year-old bay gelding, Flemenstar, gets trained by, Peter Casey, and was the favourie winner of the Grade 2 Irish Form Book Fortria Chase on 11th November, 2012 at Navan race course over two miles.
He won the race in partnership with jockey, A. E. Lynch, and defeated the mighty Big Zeb, by good seven lengths.
The bay gelding is unbeaten in six outings and is just in the form to land the next opportunity that presents itself.
The assistant and the County Meath handler’s son stated:
"Flemenstar is in good order. By the looks of things the ground will be heavy on Sunday, but he has won on heavy before.”
"We couldn't have been happier with him at Navan so it's all systems go for Sunday as the Durkan Chase has always been the plan."
In comparison, the six-year-old bay gelding, Sir Des Champs, trained by, Willie Mullins, has been dominant in his last eight outings, the most recent one being the Grade 1 Growise Champion Novice Chase on 24th April, 2012 at Punchestown race course over three miles and a furlong.
He bagged in a massive thirty-six length success while riding in the capable hands of jockey, Davy Russell.
The French gelding will have in the field the stable mates, Blazing Tempo and Blackstairmountain. The stable will compete with the six other opponents.
The winning trainer of the last year’s champion, Rubi Light, Robbie Hennessy, stated:
"Rubi Light appears to be in great form. We schooled him last week and couldn't have been happier.”
"This will be his first run of the season, but from what he has shown us, he is ready. Barry Geraghty will take the ride."
The seven-year-old bay gelding, Rubi Light, is all set to defend the title this year as he land the previous edition of the race by the mark of five lengths from the joint favourite, Joncol.
Besides the Irish and French high lights of the field, the defending champion remains to be an attraction too.
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