Fact To File Secures John Durkan Memorial Victory, Becomes Gold Cup Favorite

Racehorse Fact To File clinched victory in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase, marking trainer Willie Mullins’ tenth win in the event. Following this triumph, where it narrowly defeated Spillane’s Tower at Punchestown, Fact To File has emerged as the new favorite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup scheduled for March. The race also featured the return of Galopin Des Champs, a two-time Gold Cup winner, and reignited its rivalry with Fastorslow, ridden by Paul Townend. Initially, the seasoned contenders appeared strong. As the race approached the home turn, Galopin Des Champs held the lead among the competitive field. However, between the final fences, Fact To File and Spillane’s Tower, both notable novices from the previous season, began to close the distance. Having demonstrated their quality with two top-level wins as novices last term, the JP McManus-owned pair exhibited a powerful finish, engaging in a direct contest over the concluding half-furlong. Under the guidance of jockey Mark Walsh, Fact To File ultimately secured the win, contributing to trainer Willie Mullins’ tenth success in the race. Its odds for the Gold Cup are now approximately 9-4. Galopin Des Champs finished in third place, two and a quarter lengths behind, with Fastorslow taking fourth position. Trainer Mullins expressed his admiration for the event to RTE, stating, “It was a terrific race – it was probably the best John Durkan I’ve seen.” He further commented on the winner, saying, “Fact To File is a proper racehorse, it’s going to be a hell of a season.” Mullins added, “I was really taken by Fact To File and what he did from the last to the winning post. I thought he was beaten by Spillane’s Tower, but Fact To File put his head down.”