gr g Flemensfirth (USA) - Caislain Darai (IRE) (Fujiwara)
A winner of his sixth start in Irish point-to-points, King Johns Castle was raced by his breeder John O'Neill in the early part of his career. He won his bumper on his second attempt at Gowran Park on December 16, 2004, and turned out 11 days later for a crack at the Christmas Bumper at Leopardstown, where he ran a fine fourth to Travino. Third on his first start over hurdles 10 months later, he fell next time out at the final flight when holding every chance. Bought by J P McManus and moved to Arthur Moore's yard, King Johns Castle opened his hurdling account at Naas on January 8, 2006, in a two-mile, three furlong maiden hurdle. Stepped up to three miles, he was pulled up the following week before having his first start over fences a month later. On that occasion, he finished last of five, but improved to chase home stablemate Mansony in the Kilcock Novices' Chase at Naas on March 13. Reverting back to hurdles for his next outing in April, he was third in a valuable two mile and six furlong handicap hurdle at the Fairyhouse Easter Festival. He started the following season with a clear-cut victory in a two mile and one furlong beginners' chase at Navan on November 12, 2006. Thrown into Grade One company for a two and a half mile novice chase, King Johns Castle was pulled up, while he was running well in a Grade Two novices' chase at Leopardstown in January, 2007, when making a blunder and unseating his rider three out in a race won by this year's Irish National winner Hear The Echo. Back at Leopardstown two weeks later, he was a two-length runner-up in the Grade One Irish Arkle and was again second the following month in the Grade Two Flyingbolt Novices' Chase at Navan. He ended the 2006/07 campaign when pulled up in the Grade One Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse. A run of three seconds over fences, including in the valuable Pierse Handicap Chase at Leopardstown in January, came to an end on his most recent start, when he proved four lengths too good for the field in a Naas handicap hurdle over two miles and three furlongs on March 9.
Race Record: Jumps Starts: 20; Wins: 4; 2nd 6; 3rd 2; Win and Place Prize Money: £71,612
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AINTREE GRAND NATIONAL 2008
