Hennessy hero Royal unlikely to race again
The Willie Mullins trained gelding suffered a badly damaged tendon during the course of the contest, after showing tremendous battling qualities to beat Gingembre.
Speaking at Fairyhouse yesterday, Mullins said: “It doesn’t look good and he was lame coming off the box. I think it happened either seven or six out. He seemed to put his foot in a hole and it surprised me he was able to come back and win.
“I will have to discuss it with the owners and speak to the vets, but I don’t see any point in carrying on with him.’’
Be My Royal was plagued with jumping errors last season, but had come right with a venegance during the current campaign and his remarkable Hennessey performance was his third victory in-a-row.
Mullins’ Florida Pearl will miss the Durkan Brothers Chase at Punchestown next Sunday. Reported the Carlow handler: “He worked badly during the week and didn’t scope clear. He had a hard race at Down Royal and it has taken plenty out of him. He will now be prepared for the King George at Kempton and I just hope we can get him ready in time.’’
Francois Doumen’s First Gold, owned by J P McManus, is right on schedule for the Durkan Chase, however. The nine-year-old missed the second half of last season after picking up an injury but trainer Doumen has pencilled in the two mile, four furlong contest for his return.
‘‘First Gold will definitely run at Punchestown next Sunday. I hope it won’t be too boggy but he would run if it was good to soft,’’ said the trainer yesterday.
First Gold has not been seen on the track since finishing fourth behind Florida Pearl in the Pertemps King George VI Chase last year.
He had been slightly disappointing early last season but Doumen believes the gelding is nearing the kind of form that saw him win the 2000 King George by 10 lengths.
‘‘I think I have got him back to something like his best in the past,’’ added Doumen.
‘‘I am not going to give a percentage but I imagine he will come on for the run with his fitness and if he goes well the aim will then be the King George.’’
Meanwhile McManus’ racing manager, Frank Berry, had news of another of McManus’ stars, Like-A-Butterfly.
Successful in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, she has yet to make her seasonal debut.
Explained Berry: “She was just a bit late coming in, but is in good form and will run at Leopardstown over Christmas.’’
