Leopardstown Results Mon, 28th Dec, 2015

See also » Don does enough in the Lexus
He never shows off, he just does what he has to do. I'm delighted, he is a very lazy horse and in those conditions today things were very tough. He was probably getting a bit tired but when the others came at him he kept pulling it out. It is hard to know how good he is and how much more he will produce. I was very happy with him. Bryan said he was lazy and he thought he was in trouble going to the last but he picked up again and went on. I always have confidence in him that he can do that and I think Bryan is getting confidence in him now. We'll have to think about the Hennessy but that was tough coming back so soon after his first run. I'll chat to the owners but he's had two tough races now. It was his first senior Grade 1 and I don't think too many people will be shortening for the Gold Cup after that. Would the bare form of that race win the Gold Cup. I don't know. I was a bit disappointed with Sir Des Champs. On His Own ran a cracker, I think he is better off with blinkers from now on. I don't know what direction I'm going to go with him but he will get an entry in the Gold Cup. W P Mullins, trainer

The Stewards enquired into possible interference after the last fence involving Don Poli, ridden by B.J. Cooper, winner and Foxrock, ridden by A.P. Heskin, placed third, where it appeared Foxrock suffered interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that while interference did occur, they were not satisfied that the winner had improved his finishing position as a result of the interference and so they made no alteration to the judges' placings. They were however, of the opinion that B.J. Cooper was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having taken his record into account, they cautioned him. The Stewards interviewed D.N. Russell, rider of First Lieutenant, placed second, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion D.N. Russell was in breach of Regulation 10 3 (f) and Regulation 10 (4) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency and without giving him time to respond, and having taken his record into account, they suspended him for 1 day.

A steeplechase for five yrs old and upwards
Weights - 11st 10lb; Mares allowed 7lb