See also » Battleoverdoyen-turns-back-the-clock-in-Galway-Blazers
He was high class; he was a Grade 1 winner. He was very unlucky all winter with the ground being very soft, he was struggling with his wind on real soft ground,. said Elliott. We went hunter chasing with him and had a great plan to qualify him for the Foxhunters this year but didn't get to qualify him, everything went wrong. For him to come back and win for the lads here is great because they've been patient with him. He wasn't going to have too many more chances which just goes to show if you don't give up. He's a lovely horse, it's great for Pioneer and great for Danny Gilligan, a local man, who was touched off in a couple of races during the week. I thought when he hit the front a half furlong down 'I don't know if he'll get home with his wind'. I'd say it just did catch him for the last half furlong. He's been a horse of a lifetime for me, I've had him since he was a four-year-old. Obviously he's a Grade 1 winner and to come back and win for the boys today, if he doesn't do anything ever again he's going to have a great life. In fairness he has dropped a lot in the handicap, he's 123 there and was rated 160 at his best. We'll enjoy today and make a plan after that. He might go to Listowel for one of the handicap chases there. Gordon Elliott, trainer

M.M. McDonagh, rider of The Gradual Slope, trained by Sean O. O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled

The Raceday Stewards interviewed J. Smith, rider of Moonovercloon, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he miscounted in a driving finish

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards found the rider in breach of Reg.10.3.(g)(frequency) (second offence) and (f)(force)(first offence) and having taken his record into account suspended him for eight race days

The Raceday Stewards interviewed D.J Gilligan, rider of Battleoverdoyen, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he miscounted in a tight finish. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday found the rider in breach of Reg.10.3.(g)(frequency)(third offence) and having taken his record into account suspended him for eight race days

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the circumstances surrounding the fact that Hascoeur Clermont (FR), trained by Gavin Cromwell and ridden by C. Stone-Walsh, did not continue to proceed around the parade ring and be mounted on the walk as required under the provisions of Regulation 16. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that this is a hot horse and he thought it best to turn back. Having considered all the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Gavin Cromwell and C. Stone-Walsh were in breach of Regulation 16 and having considered their records in this regard the Raceday Stewards fined each of them €100

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Gordon Elliott, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Battleoverdoyen, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that this horse has been very disappointing recently but possibly benefitted from being ridden patiently in a strongly-run race. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation offered.

An extended handicap steeplechase for four years old and upwards that at entry have run at least three times in steeplechases (140 = 11st 12lbs)
Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase or steeplechases after calculation of the handicap shall carry any penalty or penalties which may be allotted by the Handicapper.