Kemboy on target for Down Royal Trainer Willie Mullins plans to run Kemboy in the first Grade 1 race of the season, the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal on Saturday. Mullins won the very first running of this race back in 1999. It remains his only victory but he has confirmed that Kemboy, a four-time Grade 1 winner, will represent him in this year’s renewal. Mullins told Dave Keena: ”Yes, he missed going to America where the 'Shark' won the American Grand National with Hewick. Things just weren't right so we said we'd wait and go to Down Royal. "Down Royal can be very heavy or the ground can be very good. If it's good, he has a very good chance. He's more of a good ground horse than a heavy ground horse so it depends on the weather. I'm praying for rain for most of my other horses but not Kemboy. "We got two runs into him with the anticipation of going to America. So he's fit and well and it won't be like he'd be having first run 'nerves' and, if the ground comes up right for him, I think he will be a big contender on the day.” This morning's update from the track suggests the ground may not suit Kemboy, however. Following 12mm of rain the ground on the chase track is currently soft, yielding to soft in places and a further 10-12mm (approx) of rain is forecast prior to racing on Saturday. It's soft, soft to heavy in places on the hurdles track with fresh ground on the inner track.
