See also » Beacon justifies short price on return
He couldn’t have done it any easier. We’ll have to talk with Eddie and Michael (O’Leary) about whether he goes over fences or stays over hurdles. . I suppose we didn’t learn a lot there other than the fact he is well and that he jumped brilliant. Sean said he didn’t really handle the track that well and when he was in front he was a bit lairy. If he stays over hurdles he will go for those conditions hurdle races. I think two and a half (miles) might suit him better and I’ve felt that all along. He can be dragged into a race rather than sort of push it a bit over two miles. It wouldn’t be beyond a possibility that he will go chasing now, we’ll see. He’s a gorgeous horse and a beautifully-made horse. Nicky Richards bought him and sold him and Nicky was crying because he had nobody to buy him. It was killing Nicky to let him go. He won a bumper in Ayr and Eddie and myself loved him. . We had him racing twice recently and took him out as we were afraid of the ground. . It is a testament to Richard (Lyttle) and his team here that we were not afraid to bring him to Downpatrick. This racecourse has improved so much in the last few years. It’s a credit to the team. Noel Meade, trainer

The Stewards interviewed D.J. Hand, rider of Rocky Court, concerning his use of the whip in the latter 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 the rider in breach of Reg.10.3.(g)(frequency) and having taken his record into account suspended him for 1 race day.

A hurdle for four years old and upwards that have not won more than one hurdle race
Weights - 4-y-o 11st 4lbs 5-y-o and up 11st 8lbs Mares allowed 7lbs
Penalties - Penalty - Winner of a hurdle race 6lb extra