Min overcomes errors to record back-to-back John Durkan wins at Punchestown
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Watch a full replay of the Grade One feature and read what Willie Mullins had to say afterwards.
Min joined an elite band of dual winners of the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase when repeating last year’s victory at the County Kildare track.
The eight-year-old is the eighth horse to win the Grade One over two and a half miles for a second time after a gritty performance.
Paul Townend set out to make all the running on the Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old, with Shattered Love and Real Steel close up.
Hardline loomed menacingly and briefly hit the front between the last two fences, but Min (8-11 favourite) rallied and soon regained the lead to land the coveted prize by two and a quarter lengths.
Presenting Percy put in good late work for third place, just another length away. The latter was ridden by JJ Slevin, after his regular partner Davy Russell was taken ill before the previous race.
Mullins said: “I thought it was an unbelievable performance coming after three mistakes. I think he wanted to go faster, but it’s hard to judge what is happening in that wind.
“To come back from what I thought was certain defeat after the second-last was very good. He picked up and threw a huge leap at the last and was going away after the last.
“I hadn’t thought beyond today and don’t have any plan for him. The jump at the last just shows what he had in the tank and that sealed it for him.
“I think he can jump way better than that and can improve from that run. He can go over two miles or two and a half.”
Min was trimmed to 6-1 from 8-1 for the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival with Betfair and Paddy Power.
Related posts
BOYLE Sports Irish Grand National tips: 16-1 shot has a big Chance
BOYLE Sports Irish Grand National: three for your shortlist
RaceiQ runner-by-runner guide to the 2026 Grand National
Five horses to follow on Sunday at Fairyhouse and Cork
Angus McNae's Easter Sunday tips: best bets at Cork and Fairyhouse
Featured offers
£30 in free bets when you bet £5 with Ladbrokes
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get a £50 free bet when you bet £50 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets + money back if 2nd to SP fav with Boyle Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets with Virgin Bet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £50 in free bets in Multis with Betfair
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved