Listener tops Durkan Chase list

Racing: The Listener could bid to give Robert Alner the perfect get-well-soon present in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown…

Racing:The Listener could bid to give Robert Alner the perfect get-well-soon present in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown on Sunday.

The eight-year-old heads 12 entries for the Grade One event over two and a half miles, won 12 months ago by In Compliance.

Alner is currently in hospital recovering from a serious car crash and stable jockey Andrew Thornton said: "It's a slow job but he's thankfully shaken off the infections now.

"It's going to be a slow process but mentally he's in great form and the horses are in great shape at the moment.

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"Let's hope it can continue throughout the season as Robert might be in for quite a long time," he told At The Races.

"If they keep running as well as they are now, I'm sure it'll help."

Michael O'Brien, who trained last year's winner, could be represented this time by Forget The Past, while Hedgehunter is also a possible for Willie Mullins.

Michael Hourigan's Hi Cloy, who won the race in 2005, is also entered.

Noel Meade, who is carrying all before him at present, can choose from Father Matt and Watson Lake.

Foreman could have his first start for Charlie Swan, who may also saddle One Cool Cookie.

Mansony and Schindlers Hunt, who hold entries in the Tingle Creek, Sher Beau and Mister Top Notch complete the list of possibles.