See also » Galon De Vauzelle another winner for in-form Rothwell
Very heavy ground the second-last day in Fairyhouse and he just didn't handle it. Hence he was out so wide today. I went to Cheltenham and I thought he was doing a half-speed down to the third-last, and just switched in and made a mistake at the wrong time. He did nothing wrong that day, I thought he was running a blinder. I just said to Tom Doran his owner that there is no Seddon in the race this year. Last year Seddon beat me 10 lengths and look what he went on to do. He was 4lb higher this year and we fitted blinkers for the first time not because he is ungenuine, but just to sharpen him up with what had happened in Cheltenham and before that. Going around the parade ring beforehand, he was on his 'A' game. I was very confident of a very big run. Thank God - now I don't look so stupid!. If you go back and look at his form last year and the horses that beat him, his runs were incredible. He just kept coming up against one. He is extremely genuine and such a gorgeous horse. Thank God he has won. I'd love to bring him back to the UK and try him on good ground over further. It is something I have in my head. I'd love to drop him in over three and a-half miles on good ground in a good chase over there to see what would happen. I love trying different things to see if you can find an edge. You can't stay what you are doing or you get to a level and you don't go further. That is my 33rd winner and has equalled my best season. P J Rothwell, trainer

C. Brassil, rider of Serenity Grove, trained by Gearoid O'Loughlin, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel in running. This was subsequently confirmed by the IHRB Veterinary Officer

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from trainer P.J. Rothwell as to the apparent improvement in form of Galon De Vauzelle (FR), placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that his charge made a bad mistake on its most recent run and prior to that was unable to handle the testing ground conditions. Having considered the report, the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation offered

Owing to low trajectory of the sun, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for fence number one to be omitted from this race.

An extended handicap steeplechase for four years old and upwards rated 0-123
Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase after calculation of the handicap shall carry 7lb extra for each steeplechase won.
Riders - Confined to Professional Riders under I.N.H.S. Rules who have not lost the right to claim the allowance under Rule 52. Allowances - (which are not cumulative, up to and including 25th December) Riders who have not ridden the winners of 25 *races allowed...........4lb Those who have not ridden the winners of 40 *races allowed..........2lb No allowance under Rule 52 may be claimed *Including races under any N.H. Rules or Rules of Racing