Beef or Salmon is a confirmed runner

Beef or Salmon is a confirmed runner in the John Durkan Memorial at Punchestown this Sunday following an impressive piece of work at Thurles Racecourse yesterday. Michael Hourigan's charge will be opposed by eight other runners in the ?90,000 chase including King George VI hopeful Kicking King and two times Chelthenham Gold Cup third Harbour Pilot.

Currently priced joint favourite with Kicking King at 11/8 by Cashman's Bookmakers, Beef or Salmon will be bidding to win the John Durkan Memorial Chase for the 2nd time having beaten Tiutchev in last year's running of the race. Michael Hourigan commented 'he is in great order following a canter at Limerick Racecourse this morning. He won the race last year and so running over 2 miles 4 furlongs does not bother me although I have to respect the opposition. I am looking forward to seeing him run'. Tom Taaffe will be hoping that Kicking King can get the better of Beef or Salmon this time in what will be one of the best steeplechases in Ireland so far this season. The trainer was very realistic in commenting 'Sunday will be the only judge of the outcome of this race. I have great respect for the other horse but we're fit and well and I'm looking forward to the race'. The presence of Harbour Pilot, priced by Cashman's at 11/2 will ensure that the joint favourites do not have it all their own way, while Native Upmanship and Rathgar Beau will make the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase a thrilling contest.

The Benson Burger Express Maiden Hurdle Division I will start off a super day's racing with Geill Sli, the 2004 Punchestown Champion Bumper winner a confirmed runner in the first race. Noel Meade's smart five year old will be opposed by another previous course winner, According the Billy. Similarly, the Division II of the maiden hurdle is equally as exciting a race with Martinstown running for the first time since starting favourite for the Cheltenham Bumper last March. Dessie Hughes' Liscannor Lad and Arthur Moore's Eskimo Jack are two more very talented individuals who are sure to make the Weatherby's Ireland Handicap Chase another super race..

Commenting on the strength of Sunday's card, Dick O Sullivan, general manager of Punchestown, said 'The John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase will be a fantastic race and it is super that Ireland's most popular chaser, Beef or Salmon, has come back to defend his title. Classy performers in the supporting races on the card such as Martinstown, Geill Sli and Liscannor Lad are sure to provide a Christmas treat for everyone and we are looking forward to the day immensely'.