The Listener Set for John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown

The Listener will be seeking his second grade one win in Ireland in the €100,000 John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown on Sunday.

Confirming his participation Nick Mitchell assistant trainer to Robert Alner said

' He is in great form at the moment and showing no ill effects from his fall at Down Royal, he will love the ground and we are happy the trip will suit '

Robert Alner's charge is sure to face stiff opposition from the home brigade led by last year's Kerrygold Champion Chase winner Mansony and Forget The Past who will be seeking to give owner Sean Mulryan a second successive victory in the race.

Traditionally the John Durkan Memorial Chase provides the opportunity to see which of the previous season's novices are going to become real contenders for the big prizes later in the season and this year looks like being no exception. Dessie Hughes' Schindler's Hunt, Charlie Swan's One Cool Cookie and Davy Fitzgerald's Mister Top Notch all won grade one events as novices and it will be fascinating to see which of them can become grade one challangers this year.

Other interesting entrants include JP McManus' classy German bred gelding Foreman who will be having his first run for the Charlie Swan stable, the former Aintree Grand National winner Hedgehunter and Michael Hourigan's Hi Cloy who was a very impressive winner of this race two years ago.

Commenting on the race Dick O Sullivan General Manager of Punchestown said ' This race always attracts a top class field and this year is no exception, the ground is currently soft to heavy and with some rain forecast we are expecting testing conditions on Sunday '