Min Wins Grade 1 On Seasonal Return

A foot-perfect round of jumping saw Min (7g Walk In The Park - Phemyka, by Saint Estephe) take the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase on his seasonal return on Sunday.

Willie Mullins’ star chaser was sent off even-money favourite under Ruby Walsh and looked the likely winner three from home, though he had to overcome some traffic problems at the next fence. Leading shortly after, he was ridden out on the flat to score by a length and a half, as Shattered Love (Yeats), stayed on to claim runners-up honours.

A delighted Willie Mullins said after the win, “I'm very pleased with that. He was very keen but be jumped brilliantly and that's what impressed me most.”

The Rich Ricci-owned chaser will now be aimed at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival, where he will be seeking a third Grade 1 victory. Bred by Madame Marie-Therese Mimouni, Min began his career in France with Yannick Fouin.