See also » Champagne hurdle performance by Harmony
Stupidly I ran him at Navan with a view to then running in the Cheltenham Bumper but he pulled muscles and was lame behind for two weeks and that's why he has been missing since. If he had run at Cheltenham, he'd have put it up to them but the reason I've gone over hurdles is that I'd be happier with a fence in front of him and he'll go chasing next season. He never had a schooling hurdle before today but he is an exceptional jumper of a chase fence. He'll have one more run over hurdles, maybe at Punchestown, and will go chasing next season. I'd nearly take out my license again and get my weight back down to ride him over fences! S J Mahon, trainer

The Stewards received a report from Turf Club Starter, P.F. Graffin, that F.J. Hayes, rider of Festive Day had failed to obey his instructions which resulted in a false start being called. Evidence was heard from the starter and rider concerned. Having viewed the recording of the incident and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that F.J. Hayes was in breach of Rule 208(v) by failing to comply with the Starters instructions and consequently suspended him for 2 racedays. A. Ring, rider of Loch Luatha trained by L.Young, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made mistakes and did not handle the ground.

A hurdle race for five yrs old and upwards, maidens at starting
Weights - 11st 12lb; Mares allowed 7lb
Allowances - Horses that have not won a *race allowed 8lb *Including flat races under any National Hunt Rules or Rules of Racing
Riders - Confined to Professional who have not lost their right to claim the allowance under Rule 52 (iii) Allowances (up to and including 21st March) who have not ridden the winners of 25 **races allowed 4lb who have not ridden the winners of 40 **races allowed 2lb These allowances are not cumulative and no allowance to riders under Rule 52 (iii) may be claimed.