4.55 2m. 103yds. 14 Declared. Connolly's RED MILLS Ladies H'cap H'dle of €10,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €6,000.00 2nd - €2,000.00 3rd - €1,000.00 4th - €500.00 5th - €300.00 6th - €200.00
FormscanBy Tom Weekes - NICCOLAI has a winning opportunity on her return to hurdles. NICCOLAI won a handicap hurdle rated 95 at Wexford in March 2019 and having competed over fences since November 2019, has run well from her 110s chase rating in recent months. Today she reverts to hurdles from an 11lbs lower mark and with her rider claiming a helpful 7lbs, has solid claims on suitably testing ground. Fighting Fit is an obvious danger having won readily at Punchestown in December. He had previously disappointed at Fairyhouse in November but seemed to benefit from the application of a first-time tongue-tie when winning and should go well today despite a 9lbs hike. Damut won a handicap chase at Clonmel (beating today's rival Carnet De Stage, which pulled up subsequently) and while he competes from a 13lbs lower hurdles mark here, could lack some pace reverting to hurdles, aged 13. Silk Worm has yet to win in 11 hurdle outings but is nonetheless a useful performer in this grade and can get involved. Danegeld disappointed on his latest start but had previously beaten today's rival De Benette to win at Punchestown.
An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards rated 80-102Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 12st and the minimum weight shall not be less than 9st 12lbsPenalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap shall carry 5lb extra for each hurdle race 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 21st February) 2. Lady Riders who hold a Licence under National Hunt Rules to ride in hurdle races issued by any Recognised Turf Authority who have not ridden more than 60 winners (up to and including 21st February) 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 hurdle races against Professional Riders issued by any other 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.