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

FormscanBy John O'Riordan - A close up third in a Listed handicap hurdle at this meeting last year, AYIKO has almost certainly been campaigned with this race in mind. Having had just the three starts over fences this season, the Stuart Crawford-trained gelding looks reasonably treated off a mark just 1lb below his hurdle rating. Stepping back up in trip should suit the seven-year-old, who got outpaced before keeping on strongly at the festival 12 months ago. Handicap debutant Butch Cassidy is an interesting runner for the Henry De Bromhead stable. A lightly raced gelding, the son of Walk In The Park is open to improvement. Leopardstown winner Joyau De Thaix is another with claims in a competitive affair.

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.