See also » McGivern seen to good effect aboard Ballykeel
He's a good little rider and he's good value for his 7lb. The horse likes that ground, he jumped and travelled. If he got into the Kim Muir we'd take our chance. He's a straight-forward horse and would suit that type of race. He's been knocking on the door. He'll be entered in the Irish National as well and we'll see what happens. Gordon Elliott, trainer

The Raceday Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Brideswell Lad, trained by Seamus Neville, for failing to present the horse for identification to an Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Official in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90 (i)

The Raceday Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr. D. Maher, that J.G. Gilligan, rider of Ballycastle Girl, had weighed in at 1.3 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he was unable to account for the overweight and felt that the excess sweat from the horse had been absorbed by the saddle pad. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that J.G. Gilligan was in breach of Rule 231 by weighing in more than 1 lb above the correct weight. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Raceday Stewards suspended J.G. Gilligan for two racedays

The Raceday Stewards interviewed D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Alko Rouge (FR), trained by Thomas Gibney, concerning his fall at the final fence. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that his mount had got in tight to the second last fence but did not feel legless going to the final fence where he fell. He added that he had asked his mount for a big jump at the last fence but in hindsight he made an error and should have sat. He reminded the Raceday Stewards that he was a very experienced rider and would have pulled up if he felt that his mount was tired. Having viewed the recording and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that D.J. O'Keeffe's riding was in breach of Rule 272 whereby he acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct or good reputation of horse racing. Having taken his clean previous record into consideration, the Raceday Stewards cautioned D.J. O'Keeffe on this occasion.

A novice steeplechase for five years old and upwards which at entry are rated 116 or less (also open to horses which at entry are rated 117-130)
Weights - 5-y-o 10st 8lbs 6-y-o and up 11st
Penalties - Performances before 21st February - for every 1lb above the rating of 116 1lb extra On or after 21st February - for each race won 7lb extra