2.55 2m. 160yds. 8 Declared. Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners S'ch of €15,500.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €9,300.00 2nd - €3,100.00 3rd - €1,550.00 4th - €775.00 5th - €465.00 6th - €310.00
FormscanBy Alan Magee - NOW IS THE HOUR fell when holding a clear lead two out in a 2m3f Limerick maiden hurdle at Christmas but has made amends winning both outings since including an impressive success in a Grade 2 novice hurdle over three miles at Haydock. This drop back in trip may not be ideal switching to fences but on the plus side he handles heavy ground really well and showed smart form in point-to-points. An Epic Song was probably the pick of these over hurdles having been just touched off by Langer Dan in the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival last year but he’s been lightly raced since and jumped left when well beaten on his debut over fences at Punchestown. Fortunedefortunata and point-to-point winner Extrapolation have both won three times under Rules and merit respect.
A steeplechase for four years old and upwards that have not won a steeplechase that are EBF eligibleWeights - 4-y-o 10st 10lbs 5-y-o and up 11st 12lbs Mares allowed 7lbs