IN COMPLIANCE will be aimed at the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown on December 6th.

The Grade One chase over two and a half miles looks like being a high-class affair, with back-to-form The Listener and Paul Nicholls’ Herecomesthetruth also set to be aimed at the race.

In Compliance was having his first start for Dessie Hughes when winning the Thurles Chase last week, having joined the Co Kildare yard from the recently-retired Michael O’Brien. “He’s come out of the race first class,” said Hughes. “He’ll probably go to the John Durkan next at Punchestown.

“Ground is no issue to him, he goes in very heavy ground. If all goes to plan we’ll keep him in Ireland for the first part of the season and then look at taking him over to England in the spring, when hopefully there will be something for him.”

Willie Mullins plans to send a strong team for the Grade One races, sponsored by Bar One Racing, at the two-day meeting at Fairyhouse on November 28th and 29th.

The Irish champion trainer won the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle with Hurricane Fly 12 months ago and looks to have a formidable hand this time.

“Morning Supreme won his maiden hurdle at Limerick last weekend and, like Quinola Des Obeaux, would be more probable than possible,” said the Co Carlow handler. “They have both won their races and Sicilian Secret will hopefully have a run before then.

“Sicilian Secret is a horse we thought a fair bit of as a bumper horse so hopefully he will be able to bring that over hurdles and he could line up in the Royal Bond.”

Apt Approach and Citizen Vic could make their fencing debut at the weekend in a bid to book their places in the Drinmore Novice Chase.