6.00 2m. 3f. 80yds. 5 Declared. Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hdle (Grade 1) of €125,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €75,000.00 2nd - €25,000.00 3rd - €12,500.00 4th - €6,250.00 5th - €3,750.00 6th - €2,500.00
FormscanBy Michael Graham - A very tricky race. THREE STRIPE LIFE IS proven over this trip which will stand him in good stead. He put in an impressive display in the Grade 1 novice hurdle over 2m4f at Aintree when drawing almost five lengths clear of the runner-up. That run came on the back of three runner-up berths at the top level so he wasn't winning out of turn. State Man is up in trip after readily landing the Grade 3 County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival over an extended 2m and has to be respected. Flame Bearer has a powerful engine and did well to overcome traffic problems to win a second Grade 2 when last seen in Fairyhouse. He fully merits a crack at this Grade 1. Kilcruit was placed in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle behind runaway winner Constitution Hill. He is another with a chance. Highland Charge is a massive price but is a tough sort, chasing a hat-trick, and upsets can happen at the end of the National Hunt season as already witnessed this week.
A novice hurdle for four years old and upwardsWeights - 4-y-o 11st 5-y-o and up 11st 10lbs Mares allowed 7lbs