See also » McCann saddles first chase winner with Luminous Light
After ten years training, that's my first chase winner. I've haven't had many runners and had placed horses but I generally get a cheaper type of horse so tend to run in bumpers and over hurdles. He blew up twice the last day he ran in Fairyhouse and we knew we had him proper right for today. It took a long time to get him back to winning ways . It is brilliant for Aidan O'Brien, who is the head of the syndicate and is principal of the school (Good Counsel College) where Sean Flanagan and many other racing people attended. They have stuck by me so I'm delighted for them. Anthony McCann, trainer

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Mount Ferns, ridden by C.P. McNamara, and trained by E. McNamara. Evidence was heard from the rider and David O'Riordan, Authorised Representative, who said the instructions were to jump of mid division and to come with a late run. He added he was satisfied with the ride as the horse was hanging badly right. C.P. McNamara confirmed the instructions given and said he was generally happy with the way the race went however his mount started hanging badly going down the hill and turning into the straight. He elaborated that the horse was extremely difficult to ride at this point and he could not even ride the horse out to the line. He concluded by saying he had forgotten to make a report at scales that the horse was hanging. The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that the animal was post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that both rider and trainer were in breach of Rule 212A(i) by deliberately or recklessly causing or permitting a horse to run other than on its merits. As a consequence they suspended C.P. McNamara for 40 racedays, ordered that he forfeit his riding fee and fined E. McNamara €6000 in accordance with the guidelines and having taken their clean records into account. Furthermore they suspended Mount Ferns from running for 90 days under the provisions of Rule 212C(D)

GENERAL INFORMATION The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting: Mr. Nicolas P. Lambert (Chairman), Mr. Patrick Coveney, Mr. John McEnery, Mr. L. Aspell

An extended handicap steeplechase for five years old and upwards that have not won a steeplechase before 5th May 2024, other than one hunters steeplechase within the previous two National Hunt seasons (120 = 11st 12lbs)
Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase after calculation of the handicap shall carry 7lb extra for each steeplechase won.