1st - €15,600.00 2nd - €5,200.00 3rd - €2,600.00 4th - €1,300.00 5th - €780.00 6th - €520.00

FormscanBy Alan Magee - BETTER TIMES AHEAD was runner-up to subsequent Scottish National winner Macdermott in this race last year and was just denied over a similar trip the following month at the Punchestown Festival. The Robert Tyner-trained gelding is well suited by testing ground and should be ready to peak after two outings this year. Folly Master beat Rolly Bowley Boy over 2m4f at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve and shouldn’t have stamina concerns having also won a 2m7f handicap hurdle. Union Station was only sent chasing this year and appreciated the step up in trip when runner-up to Brandt over 3m2f at Leopardstown last month.

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.