See also » Sammy Black tops in Mayo National
When he gets into a rhythm he is a lovely horse. They went a fair clip today, I thought he was maybe going too fast early and only for the last ditch he was foot perfect. I don't know whether we will let him off. I'd have the Galway Plate half in my mind, Barry is half thinking of the Paddy Power at Christmas and the Thyestes. Big staying handicap chases are what he will go for and we are going to have a go at a couple of them anyway, so we will discuss it and see. When he gets into a rhythm he seems to be a better horse. The other Black Sam Bellamy horse I have is Sam Da Vinci, he is the same, and I think you will see huge improvement in him this year as well. Anthony Mullins, trainer

P. Townend, rider of Caoimhe's Delight trained by Sean O. O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled and was pulled up. P.J. Rothwell, trainer of Beneficial Spirit, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge burst a blood vessel and was pulled up. P.T. Enright, rider of Fantastic Gold (GB) trained by M.O. Cullinane, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a respiratory noise and was pulled up.

An extended handicap steeplechase for four yrs old and upwards (145 = 11st 10lb)
Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase or steeplechases after calculation of the handicap shall carry any penalty or penalties which may be allotted by the Handicapper. Any horse rated above 145 shall initially be treated as having that rating and the highest weight allotted shall be 11st 10lb. Subsequently, the excess over 145 in any rating shall be added to the weight allotted to that horse. (For the purpose of this note, any four or five year old rated above 145 shall have the applicable weight for age allowance then prevailing deducted from the horse's rating prior to the original calculation of the handicap)