Fact To File made new Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite after thrilling defeat of Spillane's Tower and Galopin Des Champs in John Durkan

Fact To File is the new favourite for the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup at 11-4 after holding off Spillane’s Tower in a thrilling running of the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown.

The race split into two as the field reached the home turn, with Galopin Des Champs, Fastorslow, Fact To File and Spillane’s Tower moving clear from the rest.

Galopin Des Champs was clear from his pursuers over the penultimate fence but as the runners moved between the final two fences it was clear that the JP McManus-owned horses were going to throw down a serious challenge.

Fact To File: stayed on best to win the John DurkanCredit: Patrick McCann

Fact To File jumped to the lead over the final fence as Galopin Des Champs backed out of it, and moved to go clear. However, Spillane's Tower was working up a head of steam and came with a power-packed finish. The two went head-to-head for the final half a furlong, with Fact To File coming out just on top.

Mullins said: "It was a terrific race – it was probably the best John Durkan I’ve seen. Fact To File is a proper racehorse, it’s going to be a hell of a season. 

"I was really taken by Fact To File and what he did from the last to the winning post. I thought he was beaten by Spillane's Tower, but Fact To File put his head down. Mark said he took a blow at the last but put his head back down. 

"I thought Galopin Des Champs ran some race. When you look where he finished and what happened to Grangeclare West, he was pulled up. He tried to match Galopin Des Champs and he couldn't finish. Galopin Des Champs cut out the running and did the donkey work over a trip too sharp for him – the depth of that race was huge.

"I imagine Galopin Des Champs will go to Leopardstown at Christmas, Fact To File could end up there too as he's not in the King George, so they might meet there. I don't think we need [to clash repeatedly] although they're all good prizes to win in their own right, but we have our eye on the main prize later in the season."

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