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I was very tempted to be going for the race tomorrow with him over three miles (handicap chase). Two miles is plenty short enough, I know he won the beginners' over two miles. Stepping up into better company, he definitely wants further. I was just worried about tomorrow if we get a deluge here tonight it could open up. He's a grand big horse. He has never really run a bad race, he has been very consistent and sure hopefully he will keep progressing. Daryl Jacob rode him in the spring for us at Fairyhouse and he suggested to have a go with him over the National fences, so that could be an option down the line. That's Sam's first winner for me and sure hopefully he will get a few more. He gave him a great ride. He's had a good few rides for me but it is good to get a winner for him. After the first (fence), he was gaining at every fence. S R B Crawford, trainer

The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Razzle Dazzle Love, trained by Thomas Gibney, for failing to present the horse for identification to an IHRB Official in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90 (i)

The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Elegant Lass, trained by Thomas Gibney, for failing to present the horse for identification to an IHRB Official in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90 (i)

The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Ms. J. Walsh, that Daire James McConville, rider of Hollybank King, presented himself at scales to weigh out at 3 lbs overweight where a possible 2 lbs overweight had been declared under Rule 195 (i). Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he had tried hard to shed the extra weight but was unable to do so. Stephen McConville, trainer of Hollybank King, attended this enquiry. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards found Daire James McConville to be in breach of Rule 195(i)(c) and 198 (vii)(a). Having taken his clean previous record into consideration, the Stewards fined Daire James McConville €150. The Stewards allowed Daire James McConville to ride Hollybank King as they felt that there were exceptional circumstances

The Stewards enquired into possible interference inside the final one furlong involving Now Where Or When, ridden by Sam Ewing, placed first, and The Greek, ridden by J.W. Kennedy, placed second, where it appeared that both horses drifted and there may have been contact. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence, J.W. Kennedy stated that his mount lay in behind Now Where Or When before that horse edged back towards his own mount, but any interference did not affect the final placings. Sam Ewing stated that his mount had edged left but he changed his whip hand and in his opinion he kept a fairly straight racing line to the finish. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge’s placings and took no further action

GENERAL INFORMATION The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting: Mr. Peter Law (Chairman), Mr. James Hunt, Mr. C.P. Magnier, Mr. P.D. Deegan

An extended handicap steeplechase for four years old and upwards (130 = 11st 12lbs)
Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase after calculation of the handicap shall carry 7lb extra for each steeplechase won.