‘So far, so good’ for Impervious but no comeback date set yet

Colm Murphy admitted he is unsure where stable star Impervious will head next but insists she will be “all systems go” on her long-awaited return to action.

The eight-year-old has yet to taste defeat over fences following her breakout 2022-23 campaign, when she reeled off five straight victories, which included a trio of Grade Two triumphs.

She was headed after the last fence by Allegorie De Vassy in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham last year, but rallied back brilliantly to win by two and a half lengths.

Impervious followed that success with a dominant 11-length victory in the equivalent contest at Punchestown, but has not raced again for 20 months after a setback saw her miss all of last season.

She has been back in training in Killenagh since the summer, but Murphy has played a waiting game with regards her highly-anticipated return to the track.

The Irish handler revealed it will not be until at least 2025 when we will see her don the gold and green silks of owner JP McManus once more.

“She’s good, very good. We are very happy with her at the moment,” Murphy said.

“I’m very fortunate that the lads are very patient with her. She’s wanted for nothing and she’s going to have a clear run between now and when she’s ready to run.”

He went on: “Oh she’s back all right, she’s herself and she’s done well. She’s a big, strong mare now.

“He (owner McManus) keeps to himself, himself and Frankie (Berry) make sure she’s wanted for nothing or needed nothing, or for the best of anything I could only imagine.

“I’m not actually sure (of her return). She won’t make Christmas, I don’t mind saying, it will come a bit quick. I’m hoping the new year now will favour us, but I can’t even tell you where to start her yet. But she will be all systems go.

“We will see, she’ll be doing a few serious pieces of work and we’ll have a better idea after then. But fingers crossed, it’s been so far, so good.”