An imperious winner of last season’s Gr.1 Ryanair Chase, ALLAHO returned to action and made all under Patrick Mullins to win the Gr.1 John Durkan Memorial Steeplechase at Punchestown. Although he was not at his flawless best, Allaho dug deep from the back of the third last to grind out a record eighth victory in this contest for Willie Mullins. Speaking after the race, owner Richard Thompson stated that the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival is likely to be Allaho’s main aim once again.
Another successful comeback followed in the subsequent race as FERNY HOLLOW made a successful chase debut for the same connections. Having won the 2020 Champion Bumper and defeated Bob Olinger over hurdles on his last two starts, hopes were high and Ferny Hollow duly impressed in the closing stages. Rachael Blackmore and Coeur Sublime did their best to tackle the favourite over the last few fences but were ultimately left for dust at the back of the last as Ferny Hollow answered Patrick Mullins’ urgings with an exciting change of gear. All being well, Ferny Hollow could head to the Gr.1 Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown’s Christmas Festival.