See also » Timourid another winner for in-form Flynn
He jumps well. He’s never the bravest but fiddles away. He won a Premier Handicap two runs ago and it was too quick the last day in the Curragh. He wouldn’t want it any softer than that over jumps. The Flat lads could call that soft. He’s a bit tricky like that with the ground. The lads are from Galway and want to go there but I’m not convinced that he should be going there up that hill. He was there last year and I think it’s a track that he doesn’t love. He likes these flat tracks and he could boss it today. Something more competitive might be hard for him. Paul W Flynn, trainer

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Ballycallan King, ridden by S. Cleary-Farrell, and trained by Barry J. Fitzgerald. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. In his evidence, S. Cleary- Farrell, rider, stated that he was instructed to sit fifth or sixth on the rails, make progress to be near the leaders when turning into the straight and to do his best from there. During a review of the video evidence of the entire race, S. Cleary-Farrell explained that his mount jumped off further back that wanted and took a good hold. He added that he was not happy with his early position but accepted where he was and refrained from racing up quickly to make up the lost ground. He was hoping to creep into the race in the back straight without coming off the bridle and tried to make progress but an opening did not appear. He admitted that he was very far back in the field of runners when he made his effort to get into the race in the straight and knew that he would never catch the leader. On further questioning, he accepted that he was not aware how far he was off the pace at most stages of the race. Barry J. Fitzgerald, trainer, confirmed the riding instructions and expressed his dissatisfaction with the ride, but accepted that everything went wrong at the start and the riders inexperience may have accounted for the manner in which his riding unfolded. The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Ballycallan King was post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the explanations of the rider and trainer. Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards advised S. Cleary-Farrell to be more aware of how the race was developing

A hurdle for four years old and upwards, maidens at starting
Weights - 4-y-o 11st 8lbs 5-y-o and up 11st 12lbs Mares allowed 7lbs