1st - €11,820.00 2nd - €4,000.00 3rd - €2,000.00 4th - €1,000.00 5th - €600.00 6th - €400.00 Overcast

FormscanBy Tom Weekes - 'Rules is rules' as they say but DESSIE'S DIAMOND's connections deserve better treatment than was dished out at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day although the gelding may actually have a far stronger chance, and is tipped to win, today's race. Backed at fancy prices to win at Leopardstown with his owner flying in from far-flung Thailand, the gelding was withdrawn prior to the race due to a 'vaccination error', despite the horse, farcically, being up to date with his vaccinations. The reason for withdrawal was due to the absence of a veterinary surgeon's signature on the horse's passport in February 2018, although the vet did indeed stamp the passport. DESSIE'S DIAMOND ran six times subsequently without causing a health scare and having shown solid enough form in maiden hurdles in Britain, looks the type who should go well for his Galway Hurdle winning trainer today, from a favourable enough looking rating of 112. Conright Boy won the 2017 renewal of this race and while unsuccessful in 12 runs since, can get involved today. Now an 11yo, he was a useful three-time winning hurdler who has been running well in handicap chases in recent months and while he is not necessarily too well handicapped at this stage of his life, is today ridden by a capable 7lbs claimer and he is clearly proven in this grade. Wolfofallstreets is the obvious form pick having simply bolted up at Thurles in November. He looked a potentially very progressive type when winning at Thurles and while this represents an excellent opportunity for her rider to get off the mark today, he has failed to replicate his form in the past which is a clear concern today. %0A

An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards (116 = 11st 10lbs)
Weights - Top weight in the original handicap shall not be less than 11st 10lbs
Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap shall carry 5lb extra for each hurdle race won.
Riders - 1. Lady Riders who hold a Licence under I.N.H.S. Rules 2. Lady Riders who hold a Licence under National Hunt Rules to ride in hurdle races issued by any Recognised Turf Authority. 3. Lady Riders who hold a Category ''C'' Permit to ride under I.N.H.S. Rules 4. Lady Riders who hold a Permit to ride in hurdle races issued by any other Recognised Turf Authority. Contd?? Contd?. The Stewards of the I.N.H.S. Committee have suspended the relevant parts of Rule 135 for the purposes of this race.