See also » Blackmore gets the fractions right as Militant springs shock
We were disappointed with him at Leopardstown but I think he just loves the soft ground. Peter (Michael, owner/breeder) came up with those tactics and suggested we try and nick a few lengths at the start if no one wanted to go on. Rachael executed the tactics brilliantly. He was third to Envoi Allen in a bumper on goodish ground and that seemed to jar him up a bit. It took him a while to come back. I pulled him out (of Cheltenham) but it’s brilliant to get this. Peter still has the mare and it’s brilliant to get the black type. We’ll look for something wherever there is proper soft ground. Henry De Bromhead, trainer

The Stewards requested a report from Henry de Bromhead, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Jason The Militant, placed first, as compared with its recent run at Leopardstown on the 2nd February where he finished about 75 lengths behind the third placed Mt Leinster whom he reversed placings with today. Henry de Bromhead reported that his charge made his debut on good ground when third to Envoi Allen but was found to be jarred afterwards which necessitated a break from racing. He added that since his return he had run very good races on soft to heavy underfoot conditions at Fairyhouse and Limerick but his most recent run at Leopardstown on watered yielding ground was disappointing. In his opinion his charge did not let himself down on the ground at Leopardstown and the return to heavy underfoot conditions today brought about his return to form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Department Of War, trained by David Peter Dunne, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be have blood on the nose as a result of exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage.

A novice hurdle for four years old and upwards
Weights - 4-y-o 10st 4lbs; 5-y-o 11st 3lbs; 6-y-o and up 11st 4lbs; Mares allowed 7lbs; HRI Directive 6 (ii) (b) is suspended for the purpose of this race
Penalties - Winner of three hurdle races or a Grade 3 hurdle race 3lb extra Of two Grade 3 hurdle races or a Grade 2 hurdle race 6lb extra Of a Grade 1 hurdle race 8Handicapper.