See also » O'Donnell on the mark with well-backed Dragon
We did our dough here last year when he was unlucky having had a bad break but he did handle the track. The ground was a worry but he had come forward massively from Roscommon. Shane (Foley) said he gave a massive heave in Roscommon so we were confident enough that he'd come forward and he has done. He is a strange horse who comes to form at this time of the year - you'd associate that mostly with fillies but he definitely was under the weather and lethargic early in the season. He is fairly buzzing now. We've had half a dozen runners this year, a few syndicates came together and Peter Keogh, who is a big help, joined me with three horses. He rides out in the morning before going to work and is responsible for those horses being around the place. I've done my tour of duty (re training) and you only leave the show room once, but you never turn down business! P F O'Donnell, trainer

The Stewards requested a report from P.F.O'Donnell, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Dragon Of Malta, placed first, as compared with its recent form. P.F. O'Donnell reported that he acquired this gelding as a two year old and explained that his form had peaked during the autumn period each season. He added that his charge, in his opinion, had run a good race the last day at Roscommon on the 16th August when having to be ridden towards the rear when racing from draw fourteen on the wide outside. He further explained that today his charge jumped out smart from draw two close to the inside and raced in the front rank from flag fall. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.

An extended handicap for four years old and upwards rated 45-70
Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 10st 2lbs and the minimum weight shall not be less than 8st 6lbs
Penalties - (after calculation of the handicap) A winner shall carry 6lb extra for each race won.