See also » Clontarf makes winning debut over fences
He said he loved jumping fences. I was a bit worried about the ground being a bit tacky as he wouldn’t be in love with it but he said jumping kept him in the game,. We’ll see what the handicapper does now. We’ll come back here for a race on Saturday week. Jumping is his game. We were missing the better horses in that race and he’ll be competitive in that kind of grade. Dermot Anthony McLoughlin, trainer

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Ballybryan, ridden by John J Fitzpatrick, and trained by J.A. Nash. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. John J Fitzpatrick, rider, stated that he had schooled this horse at home and noted that he was best on his own. He added that he was instructed to jump off in front, let him jump away, get him into a rhythm and to do his best. He explained that in running his mount did not jump fluently after passing the stands and felt that he was not enjoying himself with company around him. Consequently he said that he held onto him for as long as he could as he was prone to falling when put under pressure. In conclusion he said that he slapped his mount until the second last fence but felt that he had no more to offer and only passed tired horses in the closing stages. He confirmed that there was nothing wrong with his mount at any time during this race. J.A. Nash, trainer, confirmed the instructions and further detailed two recent schooling sessions with the horse and rider involved. He expressed complete disappointment with the ride and felt that the rider did not ride in a vigourous manner but finished well by galloping to the line. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Ballybryan was clinically abnormal and furthermore had a cut on the inside of his right hind cannon bone and was lame on the same limb. Having viewed the recording of the race, considered the evidence and also taken into account the veterinary report, the Stewards noted the trainers explanation. They were, however, of the opinion that John.J. Fitzpatrick was in breach of Rule 212A(ii) and suspended him for 7 racedays and also ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.

A steeplechase for five yrs old and upwards that have not won a steeplechase and which at entry, are rated 109 or less over hurdles
Weights - 5-y-o 11st 5lb; 6-y-o and up 11st 12lb; Mares allowed 7lb; Horses that do not have a published; handicap hurdle rating but are eligible; for a handicap hurdle rating may enter; and run provided their hurdle rating; is 109 or less