4.20 3m. 16 Declared. Guinness Kerry National H'cap S'chase (Grade A) of €200,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €120,000.00 2nd - €40,000.00 3rd - €20,000.00 4th - €10,000.00 5th - €6,000.00 6th - €4,000.00
FormscanBy Donal Murphy - Joseph O'Brien claimed this prize 12 months ago and he saddles a six-strong team as he aims for back-to-back wins. Galway form is key when trying to solve this ultra-competitive puzzle, with no less than 15 of the 18 set to take part, running in either the Plate or the Blazers at Ballybrit. BUSSELTON, one of the O’Brien sextet, was second in the Blazers and might be able to go a place better now, stepping up to three miles for the very first time. He won at the Harvest Festival last year and did little wrong when finding just Gabbys Cross too good at Galway. That rival re-opposes now but there is a 4lb swing in the weights, with blinkers redeployed on the selection for the first time since April of 2021. In truth, a case can be made for the entire field. Hewick bids to complete a famous double after winning the Galway Plate last month and the tough seven-year-old is given second preference despite having to contend with top-weight. Darasso and El Barra were second and third in the Plate and they both warrant respect, as does Midlands National winner Hurricane Georgie, with her rider Michael O’Sullivan claiming a valuable 7lb. A Wave Of The Sea was a fine sixth in last year’s renewal and has solid each-way claims, while first reserve Rock Road would be of definite interest if getting a run.
An extended handicap steeplechase for four years old and upwards that have run at least three times in steeplechases up to and including 11th September 2022Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase or steeplechases after calculation of the handicap shall carry any penalty or penalties which may be allotted by the Handicapper.