FLEMENSTAR RECORDED AN impressive victory in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase on Sunday, running out the winner of three against Sir Des Champs and Rubi Light.

Bog Warrior’s defection left just the three horses to fight it out in the two and a half mile Grade One contest.

Flemenstar already had six wins to his name – including two Grade Ones – while Sir Des Champs was unbeaten since joining Willie Mullins from France and had won twice at the Cheltenham Festival.

Davy Russell did his utmost to get more and more effort from Sir Des Champs while Andrew Lynch stayed fairly motionless on the winner, opening up an unassailable advantage coming up to the second last.

He confirmed his reputation as a rising star among chasers with two flawless last jumps, before sealing the win.

Trainer Peter Casey said: “I’m delighted with that, and he’s still not ready! He’ll go to Leopardstown at Christmas and will get three miles. I’ve never had any doubt about him getting three miles.

“We’ll have to see how he comes out of this race first. He’ll be entered for the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase as well as the Lexus.

“I don’t want to get to the bottom of him at this stage and, if we feel it’s best for the horse, he could go for the two-mile race at Christmas. The Gold Cup is still the plan long term.”

Lynch added: “He was good, he did it well.

“It wasn’t ideal making it but none of the other two wanted to go on. I just thought he’d be better off being in front than hacking in behind.

“With Bog Warrior not running I thought Rubi Light might have gone on as he’s just a big galloper but I didn’t mind making it.

“He didn’t seem to be stopping at the finish so hopefully we’ll find out more over Christmas (over three miles).”

Wenger denies having any contact with PSG >