Fastorslow too good for Galopin Des Champs again at Punchestown

Martin Brassil's Fastorslow proved his spring triumph was no fluke with a rousing success under JJ Slevin.

JJ Levin on Fastorslow clears the last behind Patrick Mullins on Appreciate It but comes home to win. Picture: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Fastorslow, trained by Martin Brassil and ridden by JJ Slevin for owner Seán Mulryan, confirmed Punchestown festival form with Cheltenham Gold Cup champ Galopin Des Champs when they renewed rivalry in the Grade One John Durkan Memorial on a classy Sunday card in Punchestown.

The sole challenger to a Willie Mullins quintet which was bidding to continue the champion trainer’s dominance of the race, the rapidly progressive seven-year-old was still somewhat neglected by punters as he was sent off a 9-1 chance, while the horse he accounted for here in late April was 1-2.