"It is not career-threatening" - Fastorslow ruled out for the rest of the season

One of the highlights of recent National Hunt seasons has been the rivalry between Galopin Des Champs and Fastorslow. Despite his heroics in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Galopin Des Champs has suffered three defeats at the hands of Martin Brassil's star, losing out to that rival in the 2023 John Durkan and two Punchestown Gold Cups.

Willie Mullins' dual Gold Cup winner managed to finish ahead of Fastorslow in this year's renewal of the John Durkan. Brassil's eight-year-old was sent off as the well-backed 6/4 favourite, but relinquished his crown fairly tamely, labouring over the line fourth as Fact To File, Spillane's Tower and Galopin Des Champs fought out the finish.

Despite that defeat, connections had initially remained upbeat, claiming that Fastorslow could be supplemented for the King George VI Chase before heading back to the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Sadly, Brassil was forced to put plans on hold this week, revealing that his star chaser had suffered a season-ending injury.

“Following the John Durkan Chase, Fastorslow suffered a soft tissue injury." Brassil said in a statement.

“Before he resumed back into full work, we had him checked over by our veterinary team. They have advised us that he requires time off so he will miss the remainder of this season.

“It is not career threatening and we expect that he will be back for the resumption of the 2025-26 season.”

Another of National Hunt racing's superstars is Energumene, who will make his comeback from a year-long injury lay-off in Sunday's Hilly Way Chase.

Willie Mullins' two-time Champion Chase winner suffered a leg injury at the end of the 2022/23 campaign. Despite his advancing year, Mullins was keen to get his Cheltenham Festival hero back on the track. Paul Townend, who rode Energumene to his two victories in the Queen Mother, is excited about renewing that partnership at Cork this weekend.

"I really missed him last season." Townend told the press. "I've had some brilliant days on him, especially at Cheltenham, and he's one of those horses I just love riding."

"I've sat on him a few times at home over the last few weeks and he seems in really good order. He's not getting any younger, but he still seems to have a swagger about him so I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do at Cork. He's been an absolute star over the years and hopefully another big season is in store. Let's hope he starts back from where he left off."