Darasso tackles Irish fences for the first time in Grade 2 Webster Cup

Toals.Com Webster Cup Chase (Grade 2) | 2m, 5yo+ | RTV

Darasso, an 11-length winner of the Red Mills Hurdle at Gowran Park last month, makes his debut over fences in Ireland when he takes on four rivals in Monday's Grade 2 Webster Cup at Navan.

Trained by Joseph O'Brien for JP McManus, Darasso won both his starts over fences a year ago when trained in France by Guy Cherel.

Speaking on Sunday, O'Brien said: "Darasso won very well at Gowran and his experience over fences in France should help. He likes testing ground – his two chase wins were on heavy – and he's in good form."

Those taking on Barry Geraghty's mount include five-time chase winner Cadmium, who landed a Grade 3 over this trip at Naas last month.

His trainer Willie Mullins said: "We considered sending Cadmium to Cheltenham for the Grand Annual but decided to wait for this race instead.

"He has won on soft but most of his wins have been on good ground, so we're hoping conditions won't be too testing."

Cadmium: missed the Grand Annual at Cheltenham to wait for the Webster Cup ChaseCredit: Patrick McCann

The Jessica Harrington-trained Woodland Opera returns from a break for his first appearance since finishing second in the Grade 1 JNwine Champion Chase over three miles at Down Royal in December.

Completing the line-up are the Gordon Elliott-trained pair of Ball D'Arc, a three-time winner at Grade 3 level last season and having his first run over fences this term, and Tycoon Prince, who finished a remote third behind Cadmium at Naas on his most recent start.

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