See also » Joyeux-Machin-off-the-mark-over-fences
He disappointed us in Galway, he just ran a little bit flat. Ground is not an issue with him, although we were blaming it before. I thought he had a bit more bottle over a fence and maybe he will learn and get a bit more confidence with time. I'd say it wasn't an inconvenience that the last two were omitted. It was a decent race and it was run at a good pace. He was rated high enough over hurdles to run well in it and he was getting a 3lb allowance for not having won a race, so technically he was well enough in. The last day he ran here he missed the last in what was a decent beginners chase. Hubrisko has won since and Ballyadam was placed in Galway. There is no reason he can't go back over hurdles and we might mix it with him. I don't think he is as ground dependent as we thought. He finished out the race well and I like the way he hit the line. We might look for a winners-of-one for him now, we will see what's coming up in the next month. Paul Nolan, trainer

Owing to the low trajectory of the sun, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for fences 1 and 2 to be omitted from this race

The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Lucky Zebo (GB), ridden by Rachael Blackmore, placed third, Joyeux Machin (FR), ridden by S.W. Flanagan, placed first, Effernock Fizz, ridden by C.P. Millar, placed second, and Time To Rocco, ridden by C.M. Quirke, placed fourth, where it appeared interference took place. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In her evidence, Rachael Blackmore stated that she was challenging on the inside of Effernock Fizz when she ran out of racing room when they met the running rail. She further added that the sun was very strong at this point making conditions difficult. C.P. Millar stated that he was riding in a straight line to meet what he thought was the running rail however the strong sun was making it difficult to see exactly where the running rail was. He added that he did not see Rachael Blackmore on his inside until he was on top of the rail. S.W. Flanagan stated that there was not much room as they were bypassing the omitted fences but that he was not directly involved in the incident. C.M. Quirke stated that he was not involved in any interference. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards made no alteration to the judge's placings. They were however of the opinion that C.P. Millar was in breach of R214 by riding carelessly and having considered his record in this regard, they cautioned him on this occasion. .

A novice steeplechase for four years old and upwards which at entry are rated 135 or less (also open to horses which at entry are rated 135 or less in hurdle races)
Weights - 4-y-o 10st 7lbs 5-y-o and up 11st 3lbs Mares allowed 7lbs
Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase 4lb extra Of two steeplechases 7lb extra