See also » McConnell's stable star puts the Head down and battles
You were coming here with the way the ratings were set and the penalty - we were up against it. Obviously, two horses came out, but there were still some good horses in it,. He wouldn't like the kind of quicker ground that is here, he eats soft ground. He was very good to go through it and to handle it. Everything had gone really well at home. We found a problem with his knee last year after Fairyhouse and Ger Kelly (vet) did a good job in getting it right. We haven't had a moment's worry with it this year. I'd say the problem was niggling at him the whole year and finally came out in Fairyhouse. Danny said he's a different horse to what he rode even when he won last year. Probably a minimum trip for him as well. He's a tough horse and he was going away at the line. We had a plan to go to Punchestown over fences in three weeks, so we'll see. Obviously, he is going to go up to probably 140 now. There are good discussions to be had. He's a very high-class horse and that run against No Drama This End (Cheltenham) when things didn't go right, and the Listed win (Punchestown), were very good runs. We were fighting with a little injury the whole time that was under the surface. The horse has been very relaxed at home, so great job to the team at home. He's got special casts on his feet this year. It has been a big team effort to get him here and this fit. He will still improve for the run, but delighted. John C McConnell, trainer

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the riders' first approach to the starter involving El Cairos (FR), ridden by J

W. Kennedy, Heads Up (GB), ridden by D.E. Mullins, and Blake (GB), ridden by Sam Ewing where it appeared the three riders went before the flag was dropped. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J. W. Kennedy stated that they knew Mr Mullins was going to make it and once one horse went they all did. D. E. Mullins stated that he had complied with all instructions given by the starter but he was the cause of the false start as his mount is very difficult and broke into a canter despite his best efforts. Sam Ewing stated that once one went they all did

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that all three riders were in breach of Rule 208 (v)(b). Having considered J. W. Kennedy's record in this regard (second offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two race days. Having considered D. E. Mullins' record in this regard (second offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two race days. Having considered Sam Ewing's record in this regard (second offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two race days

The Raceday Stewards interviewed D.E. Mullins, rider of Heads Up (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he was not in breach of the regulation and that he had used his whip correctly. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that D. E. Mullins was in breach of Regulation 10.3.e (other than down the shoulder or on the hind quarters) and having considered his record in this regard (second offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended D. E. Mullins for four race days.

A hurdle for four years old and upwards that have not won a hurdle race (excluding Academy Hurdles and 3-y-o Junior N.H. Hurdles) before 4th May, 2025
Weights - 4-y-o 11st 1lbs 5-y-o and up 11st 2lbs. Mares allowed 7lbs.
Penalties - Penalties (handicaps, Academy Hurdles and 3-y-o Junior N.H. Hurdles excluded) - Winner of two hurdle races 4lb extra Of a Listed or a Grade 3 hurdle race 7lb extra Of a Grade 2 hurdle race 10lb extra Of a Grade 1 hurdle race 12lb extra