1st - €8,274.00 2nd - €2,800.00 3rd - €1,400.00 4th - €700.00 5th - €420.00 6th - €280.00 Overcast

FormscanBy Eamonn Murphy - FOX LE BEL looks set to be there or thereabouts on his second handicap start. The son of Network goes up in trip after a Clonmel third placing over an extended two miles last month. This ‘two three’ will surely suit the five-year-old, given the way he finished out his race at Powerstown Park. That day the chestnut was behind another J P McManus runner, 12/1 chance, Marshalled (winner), in an event, pre-race that was all about Impressive Duke (6/4 favourite, finished third) and Shantou Sisu (4s into 5/2, fell two out when in front). At 20/1 Fox Le Bel raced in mid-division, before making headway approaching the straight. Badly hampered and left third two out, the selection was making no impression before the last, keeping on well on the run-in when asked for something more. He’s three pounds higher but there’s surely more to come from Liz Doyle’s charge. There are a few with an un-exposed look about them, so the betting could reveal some clues.

An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards rated 80-116
Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap shall carry 5lb extra for each hurdle race won.
Riders - Confined to Professional Riders under I.N.H.S. Rules who have not lost the right to claim the allowance under Rule 52 (iii). Allowances - (which are not cumulative, up to and including 1st January) Riders who have not ridden the winners of 25 *races allowed...........4lb Those who have not ridden the winners of 40 *races allowed..........2lb No allowance under Rule 52 (iii) may be claimed Contd? *Including races under any N.H. Rules or Rules of Racing The Riders of the first three horses will receive €250, €150 and €100 respectively from the I.N.H.S. Committee Mr. J.P. McManus will present a trophy to the winning Owner, Trainer and Rider and will also present €200 to the Groom in charge of the best turned out horse in this race