See also » Klassical-Dream-makes-all-in-Christmas-Hurdle
It wasn't part of the plan, we were expecting pace in the race but obviously it wasn't there. Paul said the horse took the initiative, jumped out the gate and went. I said to Paul 'you were doing well taking a breather in front' but he said 'it wasn't me it was the horse taking breathers' and when Danny would come he would go on. The horse took over and did everything. He is hard to train, he has huge ability but doesn't always give you confidence when he works. I was only hoping that things would come right today when he came here and it did. That's better than horses that work the house down at home and go to the racecourse and don't do it. He's just the opposite but we're getting to know him a lot more now and we trust him. W P Mullins, trainer

At the request of the Stewards, B. Hayes, rider of Saldier (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was nearly brought down by a faller at the second last hurdle on the first circuit and then made a bad mistake at the next hurdle before being pulled up

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Sire Du Berlais (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal

The Stewards enquired into the start of this race. The video recording and still pictures were shown before evidence was heard. Mr J.R. Banahan IHRB Starter stated that all horses had approached him in a controlled manner and at the same time that he was dropping his flag, Klassical Dream (Fr) plunged forward into stride. P

Townend rider of Klassical Dream (Fr) stated that his mount is known for his antics at the start and he fly leaped forward at the same time that the starter had dropped his flag. D.E. Mullins, rider of Flooring Porter accepted the evidence as submitted by Mr J.R. Banahan and P. Townend and stated that the video recordings were self explanatory. Having considered all the evidence, viewed the video recordings and the still pictures of the start, the Stewards were satisfied that the starting procedures were adhered to. .

A hurdle for four years old and upwards
Weights - 4-y-o 11st 11lbs 5-y-o and up 11st 12lbs Mares allowed 7lbs