See also » Golden Spear wins November Handicap
it’s great to get the opportunity from Tony - I was talking to him last night and he filled me with loads of confidence. He told me to ride him for luck and if it happens, it happens. In fairness he had the horse turned out perfectly for today and it worked out brilliant. When you are riding for Tony is those big handicaps, he is the man to go to. I was delighted to get the ride and thanks to my agent Ciaran O’Toole who got me on him, it was a great ride to get. It’s special to win it at the end of the season - it caps it and it was badly wanted. A J Martin, trainer

D.P. Linehan, rider of Jennies Jewel trained by Jarlath P.Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount met with bad interference before the turn into the straight. R.P. Cleary, rider of Theophilus trained by J. S. Bolger, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount met with interference before the turn into the straight. S.P. Davis, rider of Tara Dylan trained by Thomas Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his saddle slipped in the early stages of this race. The Stewards enquired into possible interference inside the final two furlongs involving Mandatario (GB), ridden by K.J. Manning, unplaced and Roconga, ridden by W.J. Lee, unplaced, where it appeared that Mandatario received a check when Roconga made a manoeuvre into his path. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that W.J. Lee had caused the interference by riding carelessly and suspended him for 4 racedays having taken his previous record into consideration. K.J. Leonard, rider of Artful Artist, trained by A.J.Martin, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount got tight for room before the turn into the straight and was checked. The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Roconga, ridden by W.J. Lee, and trained by E. J. O'Grady. Evidence was heard from the trainer and rider concerned. E.J. O'Grady, trainer, stated that he had discussed this race with the rider and felt that from a wide draw he had hoped for a good break that would allow his charge to be brought along in the race and then from a good position that he could arrive late. On viewing the video he felt that nothing worked out for his rider. W.J. Lee, rider, while watching the video of the race stated that he hoped to ride this race as discussed, to jump off well, get in behind a few horses and get a small bit of cover. He pointed out that he was satisfied early on in a steady pace until around the seven furlong marker where he began to get taken back out of the race and this effectively took away whatever chance he had. From thereon he hoped to get gaps but none appeared until into the straight where he altered course and switched inwards causing interference in doing so and having considered his chance to be gone at that point he was easy on his mount in the last furlong. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Roconga was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.

An extended handicap for three yrs old and upwards that, at entry, have run at least twice under any Rules of Racing and are eligible for a handicap rating (105 = 9st 12lb)
Weights - Top weight in the original handicap; shall not be less than than 9st 12lb
Penalties - (after calculation of the handicap) A winner shall carry 5lb extra; for each race won. To Close 12th October.