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The Stewards interviewed Ellen Hennessy, rider, in relation to her request to carry 2lb overweight on Crafty Codger in this race, which hadn't been declared. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that she failed to declare a possible 2lb overweight as the horse was a reserve and she didn't think it would get a run. Evidence was also heard from Des Cummins, authorised representative of Kevin Prendergast, trainer. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion Ellen Hennessy was in breach of Rule 198 in that she sought to weigh out at 2lb overweight that hadn't been declared, and having taken her record into account, they fined her ?150. Furthermore, the Stewards gave permission for Ellen Hennessy to carry 2lb overweight. The Stewards requested a report from Denis Gerard Hogan, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Meadow Cross, winner, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that his filly ran very poorly here over this 1m4f trip on 15th December. As a result, he decided to not declare cheekpieces next time she ran over an extended 1m2f here on 8th January. She was drawn badly on this occasion and was slow away and her rider recommended that the cheekpieces be reapplied in future and step her back up in trip to 1m4f, and to ride her handily. A return to a more suitable trip today, coupled with the reapplication of cheekpieces and being ridden handily, may have brought about any apparent improvement in form, he reported. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.

An extended handicap for four yrs old and upwards rated 47-65
Penalties - (after calculation of the handicap) A winner shall carry 5lb extra for each race won.
Riders - Confined to riders who have not ridden more than 10 winners under any National Hunt Rules or Rules of Racing between 29th June, 2015 and 19th January, 2016.