See also » Bellshill has National options after smooth Bobbyjo win
He's much stronger this year and he's been going nicely at home but on their first run back you never know,. He did it very well. He jumped very well, jumped economically, and came there very strong two from home. He just got a bit idle when he hit the front. I was very happy with him. I think he is in all the big handicaps, the English National, Irish National and at Cheltenham. We'll see where we go now. I'm looking more at the big handicaps with him. Coming back here to Fairyhouse might be the thing to do on a track that he's shown that he's really at home on. The Irish National is early this year and it might be the one. W P Mullins, trainer

The Stewards interviewed Gordon Elliott, trainer of Mala Beach, in relation to the excuse offered and timing of the withdrawal (3.06 pm) of his charge from this race. Evidence was heard from the trainer, who stated that it was his intention to run all along, but the owner in consultation with D.N. Russell, rider, felt that the ground was too fast for his charge, who has a past history of knee problems. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards accepted the reason for the withdrawal, but did not accept the timing of the withdrawal and therefore found Gordon Elliott in breach of Rule 194(iv) and fined him ?200.

A steeplechase for five yrs old and upwards
Weights - 5-y-o 10st 7lb; 6-y-o and up 11st; Mares allowed 7lb
Penalties - (handicaps excluded) to count from 1st August, 2016 Winner of two steeplechases 3lb extra; Of three steeplechases or a Grade 3 steeplechase 6lb extra; Of two Grade 3 steeplechases or a Grade 2 steeplechase 8lb extra; Of a Grade 1 steeplechase 10lb extra;