See also » Aranhill-the-Chief-in-Connacht-National
That's the first time I rode now with Stephen. He was confident he would get the trip. He fancied him a lot. He battled. He likes quick ground. That was perfect for him there. I got a bit tight to it (the last) but when the horse came to him he stuck his head down and he battled. The last night I wanted to get a run into him and the ground turned overnight. Paul Carberry gave him a peach of a ride and didn't abuse him. If he didn't have that run he probably wouldn't have been winning tonight. I didn't really want to run on the ground but he was in so I decided not to pull him out. He's won twice around Galway. That'll be the plan and we'll see what the handicapper does with him. Somebody said to me the other day that I'd be trying to get him dropped a few pounds but I said I was trying to get him up for a change! S J Mahon, trainer

The Stewards requested a report from S.J.Mahon, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Aranhill Chief, winner, as compared with it's most recent run, where he finished last at Roscommon on 18th May, beaten approx 60 lengths. The trainer reported that last time out was his charge's first run since October and he may have needed the run, and the race was ran after significant rain which wouldn't have suited him, whereas today, on good ground, and having the benefit of having a run under his belt, it may have brought about any apparent improvement. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanations offered. R.C. Colgan, rider of Clar Na Mionn trained by V. T. O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount finished slightly lame. The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Clar Na Mionn, trained by V. T. O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have been struck into behind. The Stewards interviewed Joseph G. Murphy, trainer after he arrived at the track to explain the reasons behind his 2 non runners, Fit For Function (GB), withdrawn from the first race and Consonance, withdrawn from the third race, owing to Transport Difficulties. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned, who explained his lorry was unable to continue it's journey to the track, requiring urgent repairs in Athlone, resulting in unforeseen delays and him being unable to arrive in good time with a first time out two year old which was his plan, and so he thought it best to withdraw both of his horses while the repairs were being carried out. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards accepted the explanation offered and took no further action.

An extended handicap steeplechase for five yrs old and upwards (140 = 11st 10lb)
Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase after calculation of the handicap to carry 4lb extra for each such steeplechase won. Any horse rated above 140 shall initially be treated as having that rating and the highest weight allotted shall be 11st 10lb. Subsequently, the excess over 140 in any rating shall be added to the weight allotted to that horse. (For the purpose of this note, any five year old rated above 140 shall have the applicable weight for age allowance then prevailing deducted from the horse's rating prior to the original calculation of the handicap)