Fakir reminded us of the Irish strength - and the powerhouses are still to come
It would not be a stretch to say the top Irish trainers will be sleeping a lot easier than their British counterparts ahead of the Cheltenham Festival, especially after watching Fakir D'Oudairies score at Ascot.
Irish trainers have developed a wonderful habit of winning almost every major contest in Britain and this season, they have claimed the three open Grade 1 chases over intermediate or staying trips: the King George, Betfair Chase and now Saturday's Ascot Chase.
It really does not bode well for the big dance next month but the most concerning thing is Joseph O'Brien was able to win the Ascot Chase with a horse whom, though extremely talented and patently very genuine, is a little way off being at the absolute highest level.
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