See also » McCarthy bags dramatic '1-3' in Bishopscourt Cup
Fountain House finished second in the Ladies Cup here last year and it’s been my plan since to come back and win this race, as there is great history behind it. I’m a Galway-man originally but am based 25 minutes away, so this is brilliant to get over the line. This horse has brought so much joy to us as a family and we’re looking forward to the future with him. He rubbed one fence early on today but it was a blessing in disguise and Eyes Off Annie ran a blinder for Maxine (O’Sullivan). I had breezers selling yesterday and another couple next week: obviously that’s a big investment but I was never as nervous in my life as I was coming in here this morning. It’s a great thrill, a great sport and game. It’s just brilliant that it came off. Ian John McCarthy, trainer

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident at the final fence involving Fountain House, ridden by Mr E. Mahon, placed first, and Eyes Off Annie, ridden by Miss M. O'Sullivan, placed third, where it appeared they came together in mid air. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted

At the request of the Raceday Stewards, Mr E. Mahon, rider of Fountain House, trained by Ian John McCarthy, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that he lost his left iron at the last fence on the first circuit for a couple of strides before regaining it.

A steeplechase for ] Certified Hunters five years old and upwards that at entry have run at least three times in steeplechases (including Point-To-Point steeplechases) and that are the bona fide and unconditional property of farmers farming land in the Kildare Hunt District who have a herd number from the Department of Agriculture, whose ostensible income is from farming and that are in their possession since 1st January, 2025. Sons and daughters of persons qualified to enter, working on their parents' farms and who have no other occupation, are eligible to enter horses, their bona fide property, in this race. Exclusions - The winner of a race other than a race for which a Hunters Certificate is required or an I.N.H. Flat Race. The holder of a public Trainers licence is not eligible to run a horse their own property in this race (over the Bush Fence Course)
Weights - 11st 11lbs Mares allowed 7lbs
Penalties - (to count from 1st January, 2023) For each steeplechase won 5lb extra
Riders - Qualified Riders under I.N.H.S. Rules. (All Riders riding in this race must have ridden in at least 10 races (including INH Flat Races and Point-To-Point Races). ? A Hunters Certificate valid in accordance with Rule 78 for the 2024/2025 season for each horse engaged, signed by a Master for one of the following Packs, Kildare Hunt, Wicklow Hunt, South County Dublin Harriers or Tara Harriers must be registered at the Office of the INHSC, The Curragh, on or before 25th April, 2025 or the horse will not be qualified to start. Immediately after the closing of entries a Committee of the Kildare Hunt will examine the entries as to their qualifications under these articles, after which no objection in this regard will be entertained. The Bishopscourt Cup will be presented to the winning owner in this race.