5.25 3m. 67yds. 9 Declared. Tote Connacht National H'cap S'chase of €24,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €14,400.00 2nd - €4,800.00 3rd - €2,400.00 4th - €1,200.00 5th - €720.00 6th - €480.00
FormscanBy Mark Nunan - The ground went against POPONG when she was pulled up last time out but a couple of pieces of form in staying handicaps last year give her every chance if she comes back to her best. Henry de Bromhead’s mare was third in a competitive event over 3m1f at the Punchestown festival and her runner-up effort in the Galway Blazers in July was also a very creditable display. She’s handicapped to win one of these and connections will be hoping for a sound surface. Like the selection, Jacksons Gold is a course winner over hurdles and his fifth in the recent Mayo National at Ballinrobe was a solid effort. Limerick winner Siberian Gale looks on a stiff enough mark for handicap debut but is obviously open to improvement while the veteran Snugsborough Hall has been running well over 2m5f and now steps back up in trip with a very promising claimer on board.
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.Riders - Confined to Professional & Claiming Professional Riders who have not ridden more than 15 winners under any N.H. Rules from 2nd May, 2021 to 30th April, 2022 inclusive. (Qualified Riders are excluded from riding in this race)