See also » Saldier gives Patrick Mullins third Galway Hurdle in four years
It was fantastic for Patrick to get his third win, it's an extraordinary achievement for an amateur,. I'm very proud of him. I know he's kicking himself that he's not able to win the amateur handicap but no-one would swap one Connacht Hotel Handicap for three Galway Hurdles. It's a great testament to the handicapper that the topweights can win these big handicaps. We tried everything with this horse and the prize-money was the only lure that we came here. We needed to have a crack at it anyway. I put cheekpieces on him and it probably just concentrated his mind a little bit. Patrick thought he was travelling well at all stages. He just got into a few traffic problems around the second last and came out but once he got through he was happy enough. He travelled and jumped well. Patrick said he was very brave throughout the race, jumping wise. He just got an awful fright the day he fell in Naas as a four-year-old and I'd say it's taken him all that time to get over it. He's just never had the same confidence and never been the same horse. He's slowly, slowly coming back and then trying to run in Grade 1 races too is probably tough on him. Virginie Bascop who rides him out and led him up today has been huge for him as she's kept him sound all season. She deserves a lot of praise. Keeping him sound and right has been half the battle. I might go down the Flat route again with him. W P Mullins, trainer

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Skyace, trained by John Joseph Hanlon, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal

K.C. Sexton, rider of Belfast Banter trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a mistake and the saddle slipped

The Stewards interviewed Mr P.W. Mullins concerning his actions in the parade ring when mounted on Saldier (Fr) whereby he left the walkway to cross over through a crowded area in order to exit and make his way to the start. In evidence Mr P.W. Mullins stated that he had tried to bypass another horse that was in front of him and being unaware of the Regulation, he crossed over the parade ring to make his way to the horse gate. Having considered all the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr P.W. Mullins was in breach of R16 by crossing the parade ring in contravention of correct procedures. Having taken his clean previous record in this regard into consideration, the Stewards fined Mr P.W. Mullins €250

The Stewards considered a report from the IHRB Starter Mr P.F. Graffin concerning the conduct of the riders prior to the running of this race and determined to refer the matter to the Registrar of the INHS Committee for his consideration.

An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards that have run at least three times in hurdle races up to and including 18th July 2021
Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 11st 10lbs and the minimum weight shall not be less than 9st 12lbs
Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race or hurdle races after calculation of the handicap shall carry any penalty or penalties which may be allotted by the Handicapper.