See also » Snugsborough justifies favouritism to win for Cusack/O'Regan
it was a lovely pot to win. When you are a novice you have to try and go for these; there will be plenty of handicaps next year. We were dropping back in trip but I always felt that he wasn't a slow horse. He's learning the whole time and probably Clonmel manned him up a bit. I was delighted with the way it went. With four runners it can often be tactical but he had a lovely position and he jumped lovely. We'll see what the ground does now but I'll probably ease off a bit now and wait for Fairyhouse or Punchestown. He wouldn't want it any heavier. The ground is lovely on the chase track. We'll see what the handicapper does now. Liam P Cusack, trainer

Owing to the low lying sun, the Stewards granted permission for fence #2 (second last) to be omitted from this race

A novice steeplechase for five yrs old and upwards which are EBF eligible and which, at entry, are rated 113 or less , also open to horses, which at entry, are rated 114123
Weights - 5-y-o 11st; 6-y-o and up 11st 4lb
Penalties - Performances before 27th February for every 1lb above the rating of 113 1lb extra; On or after 27th February for each race won 6lb extra; Note Horses that have not run two times in steeplechases and/or do not have a published handicap steeplechase rating may enter and run at the discretion of the handicapper provided their performances are rated 123 or less.