See also » Naturally Blond shines bright in sun-kissed Wexford
I thought on that ground he'd take all the beating, he loves the fast ground. My nephew William gave him a great ride, he is great value for his 7lb claim. He has ridden two point-to-point winners for me this year already. If he is alright he will run again at Roscommon on Tuesday. He deserved that because he has been placed a lot of times. He mightn't have many wins but he nearly always runs well. He ran disappointingly the last day and I don't know why, he has done that before and he can run the odd disappointing race. We beat another Doneraile man into second. Darragh O'Keeffe was on the second horse. It was a bit disappointing stopping him from getting his first winner. Patrick Cronin, trainer

The Stewards requested a report from Patrick Cronin, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Naturally Blond, placed first, as compared with its most recent form. The trainer reported that his charge appeared to appreciate the drop back in trip today and felt this had brought about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Mr Moondance, ridden by D.R. Fox, and trained by Mark Michael McNiff. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. D.R. Fox, stated that his instructions were to ride his mount towards the rear of the field in the early stages in order to get him settled, to creep into the race and to do the best he could. He said he is very familiar with this horse having ridden him on several occasions and explained the difficulties in riding him. He said his mount jumped well which allowed him to get into contention, but met with interference turning for home causing him to switch, which he felt halted his momentum and he failed to quicken thereafter. Mark Michael McNiff, confirmed the instructions given and expressed his satisfaction with the ride. He was also of the opinion that his charge needs to settle out the back in order to have any chance and added that he finds nothing off the bridle. He referred to his charges temperament and previous form and felt the animal would be better suited to faster ground. Mr. S. Quinn, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board National Hunt Handicapper, agreed with the trainers summary of his charges form and style of racing. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that Mr. Moondance was found to be post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Superefficient trained by Ms Michelle Duggan was found to have pulled the right front shoe in running

D.R. Fox, rider of Mr Moondance, trained by Mark Michael McNiff, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount met with interference in running

An extended handicap hurdle for four yrs old and upwards rated 80-95
Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap to carry 6lb extra for each hurdle race won.