Fact To File and Spillane’s Tower Shine in John Durkan Thriller

Connections of Fact To File and Spillane’s Tower are taking a patient approach to future plans after the pair delivered a nail-biting finish in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase.  

Both Grade One winners as novice chasers last season, the JP McManus-owned duo made a seamless step-up to open company, with Willie Mullins’ Fact To File narrowly edging out Jimmy Mangan’s Spillane’s Tower by half a length.  

Their victory was further validated by the third-place finish of Galopin Des Champs, the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and Mullins stablemate, underscoring the strength of the form.  

“It was a cracking race. Both horses jumped and finished well, and we couldn’t be happier,” said McManus’ racing manager, Frank Berry. “Galopin Des Champs ran a blinder over the trip. He’s the one they all have to beat, but we’re delighted with our horses and hope they’ll come out of the race well.”  

While the Savills Chase at Leopardstown during the Christmas Festival is an obvious next target for both, the connections have not ruled out other options, such as the King George VI Chase at Kempton. However, neither horse is currently entered for the Boxing Day feature.  

“We’ll take a week or 10 days to see how they’ve come out of the race before making any decisions,” Berry added. “We’re not getting ahead of ourselves. It’s about ensuring the trainers are happy with them and then deciding where we go next.”  

The thrilling rivalry between these two rising stars adds further intrigue to what promises to be an exciting season in the staying chase division.