Djakadam leads Outlander (nearest) and Sub Lieutenant© Photo Healy Racing
Djakadam repeated last year’s victory in the John Durkan Memorial Chase with a hard fought victory at Punchestown this afternoon.
Ruby Walsh tracked leader Sub Lieutenant in the two-and-a-half mile Grade One and disputed with that rival jumping the fifth last.
The 4/5 favourite was ridden in a narrow lead two from home as Outlander also joined the battle to make it virtually three in a line.
Djakadam had to dig deep on his reappearance to get the better of Outlander on the run-in with Sub Lieutenant giving way after a last fence error.
Rich Ricci’s dual Gold Cup runner-up was always doing enough on the run-in to gain a length-and-a-quarter victory.
"I'm happy that he's learned to find a leg at last when he made a mistake at the one going down the hill," said Mullins.
"We'll probably try to do what we did last year. I'm delighted that he could win that first time out, and he's making progress.
"I just wanted to get today out of the way first, and we'll see where we go from here.
"He's still only a seven-year-old and you would be hoping that he's only coming into his prime now."
Betfair and Paddy Power both make the winner a 8/1 shot (from 10/1) for the Gold Cup while Boylesports are the same price having been 12/1.
Back in business - Djakadam makes a triumphant return in a fascinating John Durkan at @punchestownrace: https://t.co/hruXlQGbaa— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 11, 2016
Back in business - Djakadam makes a triumphant return in a fascinating John Durkan at @punchestownrace: https://t.co/hruXlQGbaa
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
