Arkle hero Footpad back at Thurles on Thursday after eight-month absence

Former star novice chaser Footpad will return from an eight-month absence in the Listed Boomerang.ie Chase at Thurles on Thursday, with Daryl Jacob set to partner the Willie Mullins-trained chaser.

Virtually untouchable over two miles in his first season over fences in 2017-18, the Simon Munir and Isaac Souede-owned seven-year-old endured a frustrating campaign last term, suffering overreaches when falling at Naas and second to Simply Ned at Leopardstown.

Last seen finishing down the field in the Ryanair Chase behind Frodon when sent off 7-2 favourite and breaking blood vessels, the six-time Grade 1 winner is now on the comeback trail at the Tipperary venue on Thursday, 252 days since his last run.

The 2018 Arkle winner ran creditably on his sole start over three miles in the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown in 2017 but tries his longest trip yet over fences now, stepping up to two and three-quarter miles.

Footpad partnered by Qasim Raza at home at Closutton in FebruaryCredit: Patrick McCann

He is well treated by the race conditions and receives 10lb from Grade 3 winner Jetz, with his biggest challenger likely to come in the shape of Balko Des Flos, who disappointed in the Irish Daily Star Chase (Grade 3).

The field is completed by 11-year-old Mala Beach, who recently scored between the flags at Damma House, and the mare Oh Me Oh My.

The ground at Thurles was on Wednesday yielding, good to yielding in places on the chase course, with a forecast for rain until midday on Thursday.

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