Barberstown Castle Chase: get the inside track on Kopek Des Bordes

Kopek Des Bordes has been backed to serve a reminder of his top-class credentials if conditions allow him to make his eagerly-awaited return in the Barberstown Castle Chase at Naas on Sunday.

Willie Mullins’ Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner of 2025 was limited to just three appearances in his maiden season over the larger obstacles last term, winning impressively on debut but then thrust straight into the pressure-cooker of the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival, where a peck on landing at the last arguably denied him victory.

He was a faller at the Punchestown Festival in his final outing of the campaign, but is reported to be raring to go for his Grade Three return, with owner Charles McCarthy predicting a fruitful season for his horse of a life time.

McCarthy said: “He’s preparation has been far better than last year and Paul (Townend) has been schooling him and he has been jumping superbly.

“What he achieved last year was unbelievable, to think he won his beginners chase in November and then went straight to Cheltenham and baring that blunder at the last – and it’s up for debate I guess – but he probably would have won.

“He’s a six-year-old and we love him. The only if for Sunday is the ground, but Naas are watering so I’m told and it’s 96 per cent he will run. He needs the race and he’s telling Willie, Patrick (Mullins) and Paul he needs to run.

“He has a very bright future, he’s good and fit and jumping well so we’re just hoping for a clear round and with that confidence will be gained.

“He needs to build up his experience and I think he is going to have a superb year – if luck is on my side this horse will achieve a lot this year. Watch this space, Kopek is Kopek the horse we all know and love.”

Kopek Des Bordes is one of two possible runners for Closutton alongside Westport Cove, with Eddie and Patrick Harty’s Irish Panther returning to the scene of his impressive success on this very card 12 months ago.

He would go on to finish a narrow second in Grade One company at Leopardstown at Christmas before picking up a silver medal – albeit well held – at the Punchestown Festival in the spring.

Gordon Elliott’s recent Cheltenham winner Bowensonfire has match-fitness on his side, while Anthony McCann’s Rockstown Girl completes the five-strong field.