See also » Strong-support-for-Pakens-is-rewarded
Things didn't go right for him the last day at Fairyhouse; it was a highly competitive handicap and we let him freshen up a bit and changed the training routine at home,. We thought we were in with a good squeeze today and he came and he produced again. We are caught in a hard place; we're not on the bottom and we're not in at the top so we have to pick our races. I thought if ever I had a chance in a big handicap it was the last day and that's why I went for a big handicap first. He may go up for winning today so he'll be giving that weight away in a big handicap again. He is tough and I think he'll probably get three miles and I honestly believe he'll win on the flat. Andrew Flattery rides him out every day, no one else sits on his back and I great feedback from Andrew. I'm very lucky - I have four horses and five different people to ride out! Barry T Murphy, trainer

The Stewards requested a report from Barry T. Murphy, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Pakens Rock, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Barry T. Murphy stated that his charges previous run was it's first in a handicap and he felt that the experience of this previous handicap run along with a drop in class had helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation given.

An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards (130 = 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.