5.13 3m. 52yds. 11 Declared. Tote Connacht National H'cap S'chase of €24,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €14,400.00 2nd - €4,800.00 3rd - €2,400.00 4th - €1,200.00 5th - €720.00 6th - €480.00
FormscanBy Donal Murphy - Sharing the same name as the local hotel, THE ABBEY would be a popular winner of this feature contest. The 10-year-old has shown remarkable improvement in recent starts, winning easily at Downpatrick and Limerick respectively. Despite a 20lb rise, the Yeats gelding still looks well-treated on a mark of 117 and with Danny Gilligan again on board, he looks the one to beat. Gordon Elliott-trains the selection and is also represented by top-weight Hurricane Georgie. She won the Midlands National at Kilbeggan last season and can make an impact here. Henry de Bromhead is also double handed, with Champagne Gold and Popong his representatives. The latter, who filled the runner-up spot 12-months ago, is given second preference, fitted with cheekpieces for the first time. Stealthy Tom has won three of his last five and is a leading contender with Mark McDonagh aboard, while Snugsborough Hall (third last year) and 14-time winner Go Another One are others that warrant respect.
An extended handicap steeplechase for five years old and upwards (140 = 11st 12lbs)Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase after calculation of the handicap shall carry 7lb extra for each steeplechase won.Riders - Confined to Professional & Claiming Professional Riders who have not ridden more than 15 winners under any N.H. Rules from 1st May, 2022 to 29th April, 2023 inclusive. (Qualified Riders are excluded from riding in this race)