Down Royal Results Wed, 31st Jan, 2018

See also » Stayer Goose Man wins over the minimum
I brought him back to two (miles) because he has learned how to put his feet under him and gallop which he didn't a year ago - experience of racing has helped. I'm very happy with that. The second last was as good as a fall when that happens, but I love the way he picked back up again and came back on ground that they say is unbelievably soft. He'll have an entry in the Close Brothers Novices' Handicap (Chase) over two miles five. He's going the right way and he's a horse I like. It's great to win over two when he's really a three miler. Better ground will suit him but I'm not saying good ground. T J Taaffe, trainer

The Stewards interviewed A.E. Lynch, rider of Goose Man, concerning his use of the whip between the second last and the last fence of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found A.E. Lynch to be in breach of Regulation 10.4 in that he used his whip without giving his mount time to respond. Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards cautioned A.E. Lynch.

A novice steeplechase for five yrs old and upwards which are EBF eligible and at entry, are rated 130 or less also open to horses which, at entry, are rated 130 or less in hurdle races
Weights - 5-y-o 10st 11lb; 6-y-o and up 11st 3lb
Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase 4lb extra; Of two steeplechases 7lb extra; Horses which, at entry, have not run in two or more steeplechases and/or do not have a published steeplechase rating may enter and run at the discretion of the handicapper provided their steeplechase rating is 130 or less. Horses which, at entry, have not run in three or more hurdle races and/or do not have a published hurdle rating may enter and run at the discretion of the handicapper provided their hurdle rating is 130 or less. However hurdle ratings and performances will only be considered after steeplechase ratings and performances.