5.05 2m. 12 Declared. Rybo H'cap H'dle of €100,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €60,000.00 2nd - €20,000.00 3rd - €10,000.00 4th - €5,000.00 5th - €3,000.00 6th - €2,000.00
FormscanBy Gary Carson - COMFORT ZONE has presumably had his issues, given the lengthy absences, but looks capable of winning a nice prize like this over hurdles off his current mark. The Churchill gelding was a dual Grade 2 winner over timber as a juvenile but missed the latter part of last season. He reappeared on the Flat in the 'Petingo' Handicap at Leopardstown in September and ran a cracker to chase home Satin in that very competitive contest. Having been prepared to run such a big race off a break then he will hopefully be fit and ready for this task. Last year's winner Risk Belle also runs in the colours of JP McManus and has to be respected. She was mid-division in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham last time and has dropped a few pounds recently. Classy Flat performer Helvic Dream was fourth in Grade 3 company over timber at Naas last time and is another for the shortlist.
An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards that have run at least three times in hurdle races up to and including 17th March 2024Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race or hurdle races after calculation of the handicap shall carry any penalty or penalties which may be allotted by the Handicapper.