WE got the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase last Sunday, before the rest of the meeting was abandoned due to fog, but we did not get to see much of it, and time analysis is close to futile in the circumstances. Min emerged victorious, but by just a length from Tornado Flyer, who had been beaten in a handicap the time before, with Melon in third and Allaho especially disappointing in last of six finishers.

The last-named could be seen closing approaching four out (I think) then beating a hasty retreat soon after it, with his jockey stating that he had made two bad mistakes along the way. I have a figure of 163 on Min for this (Tornado Flyer 162 and Melon 155), but it is anyone’s guess what it is really worth or what went on!