See also » Thecompanysergeant has spring Festivals in his sights
He's a cracking horse, he's done us no wrong. He missed a year after his point-to-point with an injury and it probably stood to him really. A lot of people were questioning would he handle the ground, but he has never got to run on that ground with me taking chances running him on good ground. He would want to have been doing that - we were going to go for the Albert Bartlett if we got in, but we didn't get in. He will be better up in trip in time. It is great for his owner, Martin Cooney. When he got injured he stuck with him and he is repaying him now, so hopefully he will go on to maybe a novice hurdle before the season is over. Maybe Fairyhouse or Punchestown. He is game and he digs in when you want it. He's from a family of good staying chasers. Denis Gerard Hogan, trainer

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Sam Ewing, rider of Smooth Player, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, Sam Ewing admitted that he had used his whip with his arm above shoulder height. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that Sam Ewing was in breach of R10(3)(h) by using his whip with his arm above shoulder height. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Raceday Stewards suspended Sam Ewing for six racedays pursuant to the provision of R10(6)(a)

The Raceday Stewards received a report from Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Starter, Mr. J.R. Banahan, that Rachael Blackmore, rider of Mister Bo had disobeyed his instructions by anticipating the start which resulted in a false start being called. Evidence was heard from the starter and rider concerned. In his evidence, the starter detailed the procedure he had requested from the riders to walk in in a controlled manner but this was disobeyed and a false start was called. Rachael Blackmore stated that she was riding a difficult horse that had unseated her on the way to the start and furthermore had previously shown an attitude to jumping off. She admitted that while she was encouraging her mount forward by using her legs, she quickly used her hands to restrain him when she knew that the start was not being effected. She felt that she was possibly the cause for the false start and apologised for what had happened. Having viewed the recording of the incident and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action

M.C. Grassick, trainer of Mollys Glory, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge lost a hind shoe during this race.

A hurdle for five years old and upwards, maidens at starting
Weights - 11st 12lbs Mares allowed 7lbs