See also » Sort lands punt as McManus doubles up

The Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of Sort It Out, trained by Edward P.Harty, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that he was unable to give an exact explanation other than this gelding had won well at Gowran Park in testing conditions. He added that he had disappointed on his three most recent runs and went home to the owners establishment for a two week break after his most recent poor run at Naas on the 2nd November. He explained that he was kept by the owner for a fortnight and was not ridden out but kept exercised on the horse walker. During this period he had also noticed that his own yard was under a cloud where his runners were running disappointingly. He carried out extensive tests within his yard and a nutritional problem was found. He confirmed that this matter was subsequently addressed and in recent weeks his runners appeared to have returned to form with two winners and a number of placed runners. Evidence was also heard from Noel O'Brien, Turf Club Senior N.H. handicapper, who stated that this gelding was impressive when winning at Gowran Park but had disappointed in his three most recent runs. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the trainers explanation.

An extended handicap hurdle for four yrs old and upwards (130 = 11st 10lb)
Weights - Top weight in the original handicap shall; not be less than 11st 10lb
Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap to carry 6lb extra for each hurdle race won. Any horse rated above 130 shall initially be treated as having that rating and the highest weight allotted shall be 11st 10lb. Subsequently, the excess over 130 in any rating shall be added to the weight allotted to that horse. (For the purpose of this note, any four year old rated above 130 shall have the applicable weight for age allowance then prevailing deducted from the horse's rating prior to the original calculation of the handicap)