2.10 2m. 2f. 54yds. 11 Declared. Guinness Open Gate Brewery Novice Schase (Grade 3) of €40,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €24,000.00 2nd - €8,000.00 3rd - €4,000.00 4th - €2,000.00 5th - €1,200.00 6th - €800.00
FormscanBy John O'Riordan - Despite having to concede weight all round, the Gordon Elliott-trained PIED PIPER can maintain his unbeaten record over fences.A dual Grade 2 winner over hurdles, the seven-year-old has made a very promising start to his chasing career. While this undoubtedly represents his stiffish test to date, the son of New Approach should be well up to the task. Westport Cove looks the pick of the Willie Mullins-trained quartet, with stable jockey Paul Townend in the saddle. A recent winner at Ballinrobe, the gelding deserves respect. Successful over hurdles at the festival last year, the Adrian Keatley-trained Gale Mahler also has to enter calculations.
A novice steeplechase for four years old and upwardsWeights - 4-y-o 10st 7lbs 5-y-o and up 11st 1lbs Mares allowed 7lbsPenalties - Winner of two steeplechases 4lb extra Of three steeplechases or a Grade 3 steeplechase 7lb extra Of two Grade 3 steeplechases or a Grade 2 steeplechase 9lb extra Of a Grade 1 steeplechase 13lb extra