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I was sort of wondering what was going to go wrong because he was going so easy. When he took that enormous leap at the fourth last or fifth last he just jumped onto the bridle. He (Flanagan) said he was off the bridle just doing nothing behind and only jumping ordinary but he said when he picked him up he just went onto it straight away and he latched on and he was just cantering from there to the line really. We knew he was in tremendous form but we have never brought him to the races as heavy - he's about 20 kilos heavier than he was at his best over the summer. The guys that were looking after him were fully confident that he was 100 percent, I was a little bit shaky because he was that bit heavy. We felt last year in this race that we lost it because the race in Punchestown sort of half killed him because it was only two weeks before it. He was a little tired. He jumped a lot straighter today and was very uncomplicated and was very good. Its onward and upwards. I presume it will be Christmas, I would imagine it would be Leopardstown and then all roads lead to Cheltenham for the Gold Cup I would presume. Whether he would run in the Irish Gold Cup we will see. Noel Meade, trainer

The Stewards interviewed Gordon Elliott, trainer, in relation to the excuse offered for the withdrawal of Don Poli from this race. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned, who stated that the horse was here and was keen to run. He said he had been in constant contact with the Clerk of Course, Mr. Brendan Sheridan, but the forecasted rain did not materialise. He described the ground as lovely, safe ground, but as his horse had previous leg trouble, he felt that it would be in the best interest of the horses well being to withdraw him.. The Clerk of the Course, Mr

Brendan Sheridan confirmed he had been in continuous contact with Mr. Gordon Elliott and had not received the 8mm-10mm of rain that was forcast. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards accepted the reason for the withdrawal 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. Raymund S. Martin (Chairman), Mr. Robert William Steele, Mr. C.P. Magnier, Mr. Brian Polly, Mr. M.F. O'Donoghue

A steeplechase for five yrs old and upwards
Weights - 11st 10lb; Mares allowed 7lb