2.10 2m. 1f. 43yds. 6 Declared. Ward Solicitors Irish Arkle Novice S'ch (Grade 1) of €150,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €90,000.00 2nd - €30,000.00 3rd - €15,000.00 4th - €7,500.00 5th - €4,500.00 6th - €3,000.00
FormscanBy Alan Magee - RIVIERE D’ETEL has taken really well to fences this season forcing the pace to win her first three starts including twice in Graded races. The Martaline mare lost her unbeaten record over the larger obstacles in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase here at Christmas but her second to Ferny Hollow probably rates a career best effort and she remains on an upward curve. Willie Mullins mounts a very strong challenge with three runners all yet to taste defeat over fences. Blue Lord was a smart novice hurdler last term and has jumped well to score over fences at Fairyhouse and Naas, while Haut En Couleurs and Saint Sam were both useful juveniles last season and impressed on their chasing debuts. The latter jumped particularly well at Fairyhouse and is an exciting prospect.
A novice steeplechase for five years old and upwardsWeights - 5-y-o 11st 10lbs 6-y-o and up 11st 12lbs Mares allowed 7lbs