Gold Cup dream still very much alive for Flemenstar

The Gold Cup dream is still very much alive following Flemenstar’s spectacular defeat of Sir Des Champs in the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Chase in Punchestown yesterday.

Both camps were upbeat about prospects for the coming months in the wake of a tactical, three-runner affair, which saw Andrew Lynch dictate the pace on Flemenstar, before upping the tempo from the third last and staying on to score by five lengths, with Rubi Light left trailing.

Flemenstar, lobbing along in front jumped impeccably and never looked in danger as Davy Russell, on Sir Des Champs, got lower in the saddle to urge his mount along approaching the third last.