See also » Mullins doubles up with Duc Des Genievres in the Arkle
This rain has just come in time. I was moaning at 10am that we’d had none of what was forecast, but now it has come and it has worked the oracle, it made a huge difference to him. He won as easily as any of mine ever. Once the two horses fell going away from the stands, I was wondering why Paul moved out wide, but he must have seen something. The next thing there was a bit of a schmozzle and then he ended up in third place when I thought he was going to be out the back, and he just kept him together from there. Everything went right for him. It feels very good to win the first two races considering where I was with them two or three weeks ago, we were trying to get runs into them, but we just couldn’t. It looks like we’ve got two nice horses here, but we’ve nice ones at home that never got out. It’s fantastic to have two up at this stage, but there’s a lot more to happen over the next four days. We had a good weekend last weekend in Ireland which gave us a little bit of confidence coming here. It seems good so far, but there’s a long way to go yet, what with the weather and everything else. W P Mullins, trainer

Having reviewed recordings of the false start, the Starters were satisfied that no riders should be reported for contravening the starting procedures.

A Veterinary Officer reported that Davy Russell had disobeyed instructions given to him by a Veterinary Surgeon and acted in an improper way towards a Racecourse employee in the pull-up area after the race whilst runners were still being assessed by the Veterinary team.

Russell was suspended for 2 days.

Following the race, Davy Russell reported that Hardline (IRE), placed seventh, was never travelling and Richard Johnson reported that Lalor (GER), which was pulled up, was never travelling and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.

For novice 5-y-o & upwards rated 120 or more. Horses who are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain, Ireland or France may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse's racecourse performances up to and including the day prior to confirmation would merit a minimum rating of 120.
Weights - 11st 4b.
Allowances - Mares allowed 7lb