'We're very happy with her' - unbeaten chaser Impervious nearing return after 18 months on the sidelines

Unbeaten chaser and Cheltenham Festival heroine Impervious is nearing a return to the track for the first time in over 18 months after recovering from the setback that ruled her out of last season.

The eight-year-old was a useful hurdler, finishing sixth in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2022, but became a revelation over fences in the 2022-23 season when she reeled off five victories on the bounce, including three Grade 2s, and gave trainer Colm Murphy his fifth Festival success.

She showed tremendous resolution to defeat Allegorie De Vassy in a thrilling duel in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase before following that triumph up at Punchestown when galloping 11 lengths clear of Instit in spectacular style.

However, she then suffered an injury that ruled her out for the entire 2023-24 campaign, but she has been back in training in recent weeks and Murphy reported that everything has gone smoothly ahead of her return to action.

Murphy said: "Impervious has been back now probably a month or so. Touch wood, she seems very well. We're very happy with her and she's definitely one to look forward to. It's great for the yard to have her back.

"We're not sure where we're going yet. I'll have to talk to Frank [Berry] and JP [McManus, owner]. They'll make their own plan and I'm sure they'll pick the right spot for her but we're looking forward to the season ahead."

The return of Impervious bolsters McManus's talented chasing squad for the season even further, with Fact To File, Corbetts Cross, Spillane's Tower, I Am Maximus and Inothewayurthinkin already among his ranks, having enjoyed hugely successful campaigns last term.

Impervious is a 6-1 shot with Paddy Power to land a second Mares' Chase at Cheltenham next March, with the Gordon Elliott-trained Brighterdaysahead the 5-2 faovurite. Last season's winner Limerick Lace, who is also owned by McManus, is 5-1.

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