FACT To File and Spillane’s Tower spearhead the JP McManus Team of Martinstown in the early days of the Punchestown Racing Festival (total prize money €3.5 million), which gets under way on Tuesday (April 29).
The mouth-watering clash between Cheltenham Queen Mother hero, Marine Nationale, and Ryanair Chase victor, Fact To File, is still on the cards in the Grade 1 Champion Chase on the opening day.
Marine Nationale was a very comfortable winner of the Cheltenham Champion Chase this year for owner/trainer Barry Connell and the lightly-raced eight-year-old is the one they all have to beat this time round.
However, Willie Mullins’ Fact To File is an intriguing entrant for champion owner McManus.
Racing manager, Frank Berry reports the Grade 1 John Durkan Chase winner at this venue to be tip-top shape but is fully aware of the calibre of opposition.
“It’s the only entry he has there,” said Berry. “I believe he’s in good form. It won’t be easy taking on the Champion Chase winner but we’re looking forward to seeing how he gets on. It will be very interesting.”
In Wednesday’s Grade 1 Gold Cup, Spillane’s Tower, who is bred by Noreen McManus, is a likely entrant.
Spillane’s Tower sparked major celebrations when winning the Grade 1 Champion Novice Chase 12 months ago.
“He’s in good order and that’s the plan to go there,” Berry confirmed. “The rain will help and he’s a fresh horse going there. It’ll be a hot race but he’s in good form.”
