See also » O'Regan steers Snugsborough Benny home
We thought he was more of a chaser, he won his point-to-point and he won it well. We were just waiting for a bit of nice ground to run in Ballinrobe and he came on from it. This was a nice opportunity for him. First of all I must give credit to the track, they did a great job watering and it is safe (ground). Denis is poetry in motion! He just has a lovely pair of hands. He took his time early on, crept his way into it and the horse learned a nice bit and got a nice bit of confidence. Hopefully it is onwards and upwards. We'll feel our way now and we'll see how he comes out of it. He'll handle soft ground as well but we gave him a break during the winter. Liam P Cusack, trainer

D. Meyler, rider of Round Tower trained by Karl Thornton, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly left

The Stewards interviewed J.W. Kennedy, rider of Ballela Boy, 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 found J.W. Kennedy to be in breach of Regulation 10.3(c), the unnecessary hitting of a horse that has obtained its maximum placing. Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards suspended J.W. Kennedy for 2 racedays

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Lean And Keen, ridden by A.E

Lynch, placed fourth and Round Tower, ridden by D. Meyler, placed third, where it appeared interference occured

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings and took no further action

A novice steeplechase for five yrs old and upwards which, at entry, are rated 123 or less , also open to horses rated 123 or less in hurdle races
Weights - 5-y-o 11st; 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 123 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 123 or less. However hurdle ratings and performances will only be considered after steeplechase ratings and performances.