Stars assemble for John Durkan at Punchestown

Fact To File and Galopin Des Champs will lead five-strong Willie Mullins squad into battle in a fascinating renewal of the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase.

As a dual Cheltenham Gold Cup and Irish Gold Cup winner, Galopin Des Champs is already assured of his place among the staying greats that have passed through the hands of the master of Closutton.

However, he was beaten by Fastorslow in this race 12 months ago and in the last two editions of the Punchestown Gold Cup – and Martin Brassil's stable star is once again in opposition this weekend.

Further spice is added by the presence of Galopin Des Champs’ hugely promising stablemate Fact To File, who having won three of his four novice chase starts last season, including Grade One wins at Leopardstown and Cheltenham, takes his first step into open company in County Kildare.

Mullins, who also saddles Grangeclare West, Blue Lord and Minella Cocooner in his bid for a 10th John Durkan success, said: "With all the rain from this storm it is putting an emphasis on race fitness and all ours are having their first run. Hopefully they all run well and are safe and sound.

"Galopin Des Champs missed a few weeks at the start of the season and that might tell in these conditions but the race fits in nicely in the calendar and we are going to run.

"It’s not as if there are other opportunities and this is a nice opportunity on our doorstep to run. It’s always a good race.

"I feel they need the run and hopefully it will leave us right for Christmas."

Fastorslow (9/1) was fast not slow to win the John Durkan for Martin Brassil at Punchestown. Watch live on @RTEOne and @RTEPlayer pic.twitter.com/TmqdEm2fSR

Brassil is excited to see Fastorslow defend his crown, but is well aware of the task