As the Cheltenham festival enters the final furlong this Thursday, hope remain high that either Con’s Roc or King Alex can claim glory in Friday’s Foxhunters chase for local connections, with the opening day on Tuesday bringing three Irish winners.
There was disappointment for connections of local favourite, Kopek Des Bordes on the opening day however, as the Paul Townend ridden 11/8 shot was downed by Kargese (7/1), ridden by Danny Mullins, in the grade 1 Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase. The Fermoy-owned horse was heralded to clash with Nicky Henderson’s 11/10 favourite Lalumba, who finished 3rd. Kopek Des Bordes, however, gave a good account of itself, but lost out by a margin of two and a quarter lengths.
Following the race, trainer Willie Mullins told RTE that Kargese jumped superbly and had far more experience than Kopek, which stood to the horse at the finish.
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