3.55 2m. 5f. 150yds. 10 Declared. Fred Kenny Ladies National H'cap S'chase of €20,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €12,000.00 2nd - €4,000.00 3rd - €2,000.00 4th - €1,000.00 5th - €600.00 6th - €400.00
FormscanBy Alan Magee - MARS HARPER never got involved in the Plate at Cheltenham last month but on overall form may prove the one to beat. The selection won twice over hurdles and, while a frustrating sort to follow over fences, has plenty of placed form including in a Grade 2 novice at Punchestown earlier this season. He was only headed close home by Lieutenant Command in a valuable handicap at Leopardstown on his penultimate start. Charlie Stout has turned back the clock this year finishing second to Stumptown at Thurles and gaining a sixth career win when beating Darver Star at Wexford last week. Routine Excellence also comes here in good form having scored over a similar trip at Thurles, while the JP McManus pair Fighting Fit and Gain De Cause are others to consider.
An extended handicap steeplechase for five years old and upwards (130 = 11st 12lbs)Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase after calculation of the handicap shall carry 7lb extra for each steeplechase won.Riders - 1. Lady Riders who hold a Licence under I.N.H.S. Rules who have not lost the right to claim an allowance under Rule 52 (iii) (up to and including 4th April 2023). 2. Lady Riders who hold a Licence under National Hunt Rules to ride in Steeplechases issued by any Recognised Turf Authority who have not ridden 60 winners or more (up to and including 4th April 2023). 3. Lady Riders who hold a Category ''C'' Permit to ride under I.N.H.S. Rules. 4. Lady Riders who hold a Permit to ride in Steeplechases against Professional Riders issued by any Recognised Turf Authority. The Stewards of the I.N.H.S. Committee have suspended the relevant parts of Rule 135 for the purposes of this race.