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It was a late plan after he won in Kilbeggan and we saw he was gone to 135. He’s a novice that jumps like a handicapper and we just wanted to get more experience into him whatever the ground was like. There are plenty of races coming up like this — the Munster National, the Troytown at Navan and the Paddy Power - so there are lots of options for a horse that jumps like that. He got in as a reserve. Gordon (Elliott) rang me this morning and said you should put your horse in the box as I have one out and we will walk the track and if we’re not happy we’ll take a second one out. It was a real sporting gesture. He’s finished second but he’s won plenty of these races!. We’ve had some lovely winners with these colours and Numbersixvalverde is the one that sticks out. This fellow might start us dreaming again. He’s eight and has had a good time to mature. Denis Leahy won a point-to-point with him and I’d say did an awful lot of schooling because he was always good to jump. It makes the job easier for us. They went a bit steady and I said to Ricky if you are still travelling jumping the third last they are not after going fast enough. I said make sure you are in the van as they will quicken up from there but they are going to have to stay as well. He said it rode a bit slower than they were expecting but he handled it well. Martin Brassil, trainer

The Raceday Stewards received a request from Gordon Elliott, trainer of Gevrey (FR), to substitute the nominated rider B. Hayes, with D.J. Gilligan, due to his intended mount being a non runner. Having considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards denied the request on this occasion as Mr. Hayes presented himself to weigh out and they were not satisfied that the request was a valid one in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 3

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Ms. Zoe Smalley, Authorised Representative for Henry de Bromhead, trainer, in relation to the withdrawal of Toss Again, who was withdrawn at 14.48 owing to the change in going, to ascertain if it could have been made at an earlier stage allowing for a declared reserve to run in this race. Evidence was heard from Ms. Smalley who stated that her charge was present at the races and the intention was to run the animal despite having concerns over the slower ground conditions until heavy showers of rain fell and the trainer felt he had no option but to withdraw the horse. Having considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted

B. Hayes, rider of Gevrey (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a bad mistake three out and was pulled up afterwards.

An extended handicap steeplechase for four years old and upwards that have run at least three times in steeplechases up to and including 10th September 2023
Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase or steeplechases after calculation of the handicap shall carry any penalty or penalties which may be allotted by the Handicapper.