Season-Ending Injury Sidelines Fastorslow

Trainer Martin Brassil has confirmed that his star chaser, Fastorslow, will miss the remainder of the season due to a soft tissue injury.

The dual Punchestown Gold Cup winner was last seen finishing fourth in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase earlier this month and had been in contention for a potential tilt at the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, pending supplementation.

In a statement, Brassil explained:

“Following the John Durkan Chase, Fastorslow suffered a soft tissue injury. Before resuming full work, he was assessed by our veterinary team, who advised that he requires time off. He will miss the rest of the season.”

“It’s not career-threatening, and we expect him to return for the 2025-26 season.”

Fastorslow’s career highlights include two Punchestown Gold Cup victories and a runner-up finish to Galopin Des Champs in the Irish Gold Cup. He was also impressed in this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, where he was still travelling well before a costly mistake led to his unseating rider J J Slevin.

The setback leaves a gap in the season’s top staying chaser ranks, though Brassil remains optimistic about his charge’s long-term prospects. Fans will now have to wait until the 2025-26 campaign to see Fastorslow back on the track.