See also » State Man untroubled in Morgiana Hurdle
Paul was much happier getting down off him this year than he was last year so maybe there is a bit of improvement there for this season,. I thought he’d won turning for home and I was surprised when there was a bit of a shemozzle and I got a bit of a fright for a couple of seconds, but was happy enough then. Impaire Et Passe will go to Fairyhouse next weekend (Hatton’s Grace Hurdle) and we’ll try to keep them apart for as long as we can. They all have to get there in March so we’ll concentrate on the domestic scene for the moment. W P Mullins, trainer

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident rounding the turn for home involving Fils D'oudairies (FR), ridden by Sam Ewing, placed third, Pied Piper (GB), ridden by J.W. Kennedy, placed fourth, and State Man (FR), ridden by P. Townend, placed first, where it appeared Fil's D'oudairies ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Sam Ewing stated that his mount drifted off the rails turning in. J. W. Kennedy stated that the horse in front drifted off the rail momentarily and he had the horse to fill the gap. P. Townend stated that he was pushed off his racing line turning for home. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that the incident was caused by Fils D'oudairies coming off his racing line and that S. Ewing was in breach of Rule 226, in that he had made a manoeuvre during the race with the apparent intention of advantaging another runner trained by the same trainer. Having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended S. Ewing for five racedays

P. Townend, rider of State Man (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount suffered interference turning in.

A hurdle for four years old and upwards
Weights - 11st 12lbs Mares allowed 7lbs