3.08 2m. 3f. 165yds. 16 Declared. Tommy Carberry H'cap H'dle of €21,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €12,600.00 2nd - €4,200.00 3rd - €2,100.00 4th - €1,050.00 5th - €630.00 6th - €420.00
FormscanBy Alan Magee - ARDHILL landed a big gamble in effortless fashion over an extra half-mile at Ascot before Christmas and it will be fascinating to see if he can back that up in this higher grade. The addition of first-time blinkers and running on better ground were put forward as reasons for the much improved show so it is of some concern that he will face testing conditions here. Homme D’un Soir won twice over hurdles last year and should be suited by a return to a right-handed track after a creditable fourth to The Very Man in a valuable 2m4f Navan handicap last month. Tucanae won a maiden hurdle at this venue last season and also ran with credit in handicaps at a number of the major Festivals. The Yeats mare now reverts to hurdles after failing to jump well in two chase outings this term. Enniskerry hails from a yard in decent form, while Festival D’ex and Damalisque are others to consider.
An extended handicap hurdle for five years old and upwards (140 = 11st 12lbs)Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap shall carry 7lb extra for each hurdle race won.