See also » Big festivals await Answer To Kayf
we gave Answer To Kayf an entry in the Albert Bartlett and I was also thinking of going for the Martin Pipe - we’ll see how he comes out of today. Eighteen months ago he couldn’t win a novice riders’ maiden in Wexford. He had a lot of problems with his hocks and was lame after his maiden hurdle run in Killarney last year, when beaten 24 lengths. He was then put out on grass and came in sound and hasn’t taken a lame step since. He’s twice the horse he was. It’s great as Denis (O’Connor, owner) has been a great supporter. He’s really patient and it’s great that it has paid off for him. we always hoped after his Limerick run that he’d be good enough to win this but when I saw Willie’s two in it, I was worried. He jumped really well and hit the line well. He did everything that I hoped and more. There is a great prize for the Final of this Series in Punchestown and I suppose that is probably the main aim. Whether we take in Cheltenham in the meantime we’ll see how he comes out of this. I’d say he’s flexible in terms of trip. He’s not a slow horse and I didn’t think he was stopping there at the finish. Johnny’s 7lb claim was obviously a big help today and we’ll see what the handicapper does with him after this. Terence O'Brien, trainer

A novice hurdle for four years old and upwards that are EBF eligible and which had been purchased as an unraced three or four year old at Public Auction under the hammer in Ireland or Great Britain for #45,000 or less at a recognised National Hunt Store Sale and that have not been purchased at Public Auction under the hammer in Ireland or Great Britain for any more than #45,000 at any time and that have not won a race under any N.H. Rules or Rules of Racing other than one I.N.H. flat race or N.H. flat race value not more than #12,000 and/or one hurdle race value not more than #12,500
Weights - 4-y-o 11st 1lbs 5-y-o and up 11st 7lbs Mares allowed 7lbs
Penalties - Penalty - Winner of a hurdle race 5lb extra