Kicking King confirmed for John Durkan Memorial Chase Kicking King and Harbour Pilot are just two of racing's leading chasers set to clash in the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Steeplechase on Sunday. The €90,000 feature race promises to be a thrilling spectacle with recent Clonmel Oil Chase winner Rathgar Beau and the locally trained, Native Upmanship, also due to contest this valuable chase. Local trainer Tom Taaffe has confirmed that Kicking King will run in two and a half mile race in which last year's winner, Beef or Salmon, in also an entrant. Taaffe stated 'he is in great form and I am expecting a big run from him on Sunday'. Kicking King, who has had two outings this season, was only narrowly beaten by Beef or Salmon in Down Royal recently and will be hoping to reverse the placings this time. Harbour Pilot, trained in Co. Meath by Noel Meade and placed third in the 2002 and 2003 Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup's will have improved significantly from his run in Down Royal run and this classy performer will make the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase a very exciting contest.Arthur Moore, who also trains his string just outside of Naas, has entered three horses in the race, the most notable being Native Upmanship who was successful in 2000 when beating Florida Pearl. Rathgar Beau, a regular runner up to Moscow Flyer, seems to be suited best by the two and a half mile distance of the John Durkan Memorial Chase and will have a big chance of landing the spoils. Supporting races on the card include Schweppes Handicap Hurdle and the Weatherbys Ireland Handicap Chase. Dick O Sullivan general manager of Punchestown commented 'We are really getting into the Christmas spirit this weekend and with Santa Claus & carol singers in attendance we expect it to be a fun filled race day for all the family. These added attractions will make Sunday a super race day that features the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase. We are delighted that Kicking King is a confirmed runner and it would be super if Beef or Salmon returned to defend his title in the race.'
