Sir Des Champs lays down Gold Cup marker — but his biggest battle is yet to come

It was billed as a day of destiny and so it proved.

Sir Des Champs v Flemenstar: Act Three. The previous two had gone the way of Peter Casey’s exuberant star but their Christmas showdown in a thrilling Lexus Chase at Leopardstown raised more questions than answers about Gold Cup prospects next month as the duo finishing a close third and fourth respectively behind Tidal Bay and First Lieutenant.

Was Sir Des Champs over-hyped? Was his jumping below the level required to be a credible contender at Cheltenham? Did Flemenstar really stay three miles and, even if he did, could he manage another couple of furlongs up the punishing Cheltenham hill? Did the fact both were beaten by a horse then a few days short of his 12th birthday (no 12-year-old has won the Gold Cup since What A Myth in 1969) show neither were good enough to end Ireland’s seven-year Gold Cup itch?