3 minute read

Tony Martin is confident Flemenstar is fit enough to do himself justice as he makes his eagerly anticipated comeback in the Webster Cup at Navan on Saturday.

The multiple Grade One-winning chaser has been sidelined by injury since making a winning debut for the County Meath-based trainer in the Fortria Chase at Navan in November 2013, but has been nursed back to fitness by owner Stephen Curran.

He faces seven rivals in this weekend's Grade Two event and Martin is keen to see how his charge performs before committing to future plans.

"He's fit and well and we're quite happy with him at the moment," said the trainer.

"He has all his prep done and we've got a few gallops into him. He's been off a long time and he'll improve for the run, but he's fit enough and good enough to give a good account of himself.

"We'll get tomorrow out of the way before we make any plans. We're just taking it one day at a time."

Andrew Lynch has been an ever-present in the saddle during Flemenstar's 12-race chase career so far, but is replaced by Keith Donoghue for this weekend's assignment.

Leading owners Gigginstown House Stud are represented by the Sandra Hughes-trained Bright New Dawn and Rathlin from Mouse Morris's yard.

Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh team up with the hat-trick-seeking Felix Yonger, while Donald McCain sends Desert Cry across the Irish Sea.

Tom Taaffe's Argocat, Colin McBratney's Marito and Smokey Joe Joe from Stephen Mahon's yard complete the field.