Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup Grade 1 Report and Free Video Replay

Martin Brassil’s horse earned consecutive race renewals at odds of 7/2, odds slightly lower than the 20/1 price at which he was sent off 12 months ago.

The eight-year-old unseated his jockey JJ Slevin in the Cheltenham Gold Cup won by Galopin Des Champs last time out, but back on his beloved Punchestown horse and jockey he got another verdict on his old rival after riding with enthusiasm throughout the event.

Galopin Des Champs was never far from the eventual winner with Paul Townend, but ran out of tactical rhythm at a crucial point in the contest as he turned home.

That gave Fastorslow the lead and although the medium favorite tried with all his heart to catch him, he could only reduce the deficit to one and a quarter lengths at the line.

King George winner Hewick came third.

‘He is a monster’

Sean and Bernardine Mulryan own Fastorslow and the former said: “It’s Punchestown, our local track, it doesn’t get any better than this! All our friends and family are here, it’s very special.

“Winning it last year was a shock, but winning it two years in a row is something that will probably never be repeated. We have to enjoy every second.

“In life you can have a hundred horses and never have a horse like him.

“Martin is an extraordinary man to take care of a horse and he got it right today.”

Brassil has trained many high-level horses in the past and sent a Grand National winner in Numbersixvalverde in 2006, but he is confident that Fastorslow is the best he has trained.

He said: “He has arrived in just as good shape (as last year) and possibly even better.

“JJ said she was running away with him for the first mile.

“He’s the best horse I’ve ever had.”

The winner had ousted Slevin seven fences from home at Cheltenham and the rider was delighted to get some compensation, with Fastorslow recording a third career win over Galopin Des Champs, having also beaten him in the John Durkan here in December.

Slevin said: “He’s an absolute monster!

“He is a great horse and is by far the best horse I have ever ridden.

“He really wanted to go the first mile and that worried me a lot. He had a little attempt at the first one from behind and it slipped out of my hands, but he’s an absolute machine.

“It was a long way home (from Cheltenham) but, at the end of the day, it’s a horse race and you have to keep going. There are many people in worse situations.”

Willie Mullins, meanwhile, felt the winner had simply been the best horse of the day.

He said: “Fastorslow is always good at this time of year and at this track. JJ gave him a very brave ride, he didn’t wait for our partner or anything; He came out and took the race by the neck and it worked for him.

“Our teammate had a great race and held on until the end, so more power to Fastorslow. He’s great for Sean, Bernardine Mulryan and Martin Brassil.

“Paul (Townend) set out to run and the run got the better of him. There’s no point in forcing a horse to run and I don’t think he jumped well enough to run either.

“I’m happy with what happened and I think the best horse of the day won the race.”

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