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Two miles is as short as he wants and he jumped very well. I'll try and find a little novice or winners' of one for him next. He disappointed us in bumpers and the way he went there, he probably doesn't want winter ground. It was a great pot to win for the owners (the McNeill family) who have nice horses in the yard, so it is brilliant for them. Gordon Elliott, trainer

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Free Nelson (GB), ridden by D.F. O'Regan, and trained by Gordon Elliott. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. D.F. O'Regan, stated that his instructions were to sit fifth or sixth, get settled and do his best from there. He stated that his mount was quite buzzy on leaving the parade ring, he jumped off on the rail, got cover early and took a chance down the rail. He stated that his mount was a difficult ride and ran very free. He jumped quite well apart from minor errors at the last with a circuit to go, the fourth last and the last. He felt that the slow tempo of the early pace contributed to his mount not settling. In the finishing straight he changed his hands on him but he started to empty and he had nothing left at the finish. Gordon Elliott, confirmed the instructions given and expressed his satisfaction with the ride given to the horse. He further stated that this is a tricky sort who has been off the track for two years with a leg injury. Not withstanding the two year absence he felt the horse was fit and well today and capable of running his race. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Free Nelson (GB) was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered

R.A. Doyle, rider of Fanoir trained by Conor O'Dwyer, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped very quickly

A hurdle for four years old and upwards, maidens at starting that are EBF eligible and which had been purchased as an unraced three or four year old at Public Auction under the hammer in Ireland or Great Britain for #45,000 or less at a recognised National Hunt Sale and that have not been purchased at Public Auction under the hammer in Ireland or Great Britain for any more than #45,000 at any time and that have not won a race under any N.H. Rules or Rules of Racing other than one I.N.H. flat race or N.H. flat race value not more than #12,000
Weights - 4-y-o 11st 12lbs 5-y-o and up 12st Mares allowed 7lbs