Morris predicts War in Durkan

War Of Attrition has been given the go-ahead for a third attempt at winning the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase on Sunday.

Mouse Morris’s former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner was a disappointing fifth in the Grade One in 2005 but produced a better showing when second to In Compliance 12 months later.

War Of Attrition managed only one more run before injury kept him off the track for nearly two years but his return this season has seen him produce victories at Sunday’s course and at Thurles.

“The plan is to run Sunday. I expect it will be tacky ground but he’s been ticking over at home and it’s so far so good,” said Morris.

The Fethard trainer has shelved plans to run his Irish National hero Hear The Echo in the same race.

“He will probably run over two miles and seven at Navan on Saturday (in the Proudstown Handicap Hurdle),” added Morris.