See also » Easy for Sterling Stuff
He did it well and I was delighted with the way he jumped. He's not entered again anytime soon as races are very scarce for him over Christmas. There is only one race for him at Limerick but that's over two three . too short for him. The others are a 0-145 and a veterans chase. Robert Tyner, trainer

The Stewards enquired into the performance of Bendala Bleu (GB), trained by Donal Hassett and by ridden by B.F. Cawley, which was pulled up before the turn into the straight after jumping only 5 fences. Evidence was heard from Brian Hassett, authorised representative of the trainer and the rider concerned and Mr D. Cullen, Turf Club Starter. B.F. Cawley stated that he was instructed to keep his mount in amongst the other horses down at the start to ensure he would jump off, but having been circling with the rest of the field inside the track, he started pulling the reins out of his hands and hung out across the track to the far rail away from the other runners. He added that try as he might, he couldn't get his mount back to the rest of the field and had to be led into the start alone in order to get him to line up. He further added that as soon as the starter let the field go, Bendala Bleu (GB) continued to plunge down his head and pull the reins out of his hands but would not travel, raced reluctantly and approaching the turn into the home straight he would not turn right and ran in towards the running rail and he had to pull him up. Brian Hassett stated that Bendala Bleu (GB) has never acted in such a manner on the track, but once as a Point to Pointer he jumped off reluctantly. He didn't envision any issues today once the horse was kept amoungst the field down at the start, but accepted what the rider explained had happened. He stated that the horse is quirky and can be difficult. D. Cullen stated that he gave the horse every opportunity to jump off with the field, getting someone to lead in the horse in an effort to help the rider but the horse looked difficult and disinterested. Having considered all the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered and suggested to the trainer's representative to put some procedures in place down at the start to try avoid a recurrence in future. The Stewards received a report from P.L. Malone, Turf Club Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that R.M. Moran, rider of Code Dancer, placed fourth, weighed in 2 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who stated that he lost 5 or 6 lbs this morning to ride at the correct weight, but had to drink water after weighing out, as he felt he was starting to cramp. He added that this, together with some rain that fell, contributed to him weighing in heavy. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that R.M. Moran was in breach of Rule 231 and they therefore suspended him for 1 raceday. N.P. Madden, rider of Blue Dynasty (USA) trained by Oliver J.Power, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount resented the application of blinkers and was pulled up..

An extended handicap steeplechase for five yrs old and upwards rated 0-102
Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase after calculation of the handicap to carry 4lb extra for each such steeplechase won.