See also » Aoibhes-Beau-readily-puts-them-away-at-661
That was a surprise as I went to Down Royal with her three weeks ago and she was beaten after two hurdles. It was a long trip home and I had a bit of explaining to do as well!. She had won a schooling race three weeks previously and, in fairness to the owner, he had been there - only for that he mightn't have believed me! . She stopped one day in Kilbeggan when her heart was irregular and I'm wondering does it happen when she travels a distance from home. The way she works you'd expect her to do this but you couldn't fancy her. Only for the owner, James O'Connor, I wouldn't have run her on the heavy ground - James trained Ballyhale Shamrocks to win the Club Championship last year and he trained Carrigtwohill to win the county ten years ago and that's how I got to know him. He's a Lismore man and this is his first horse with me. Terence O'Brien, trainer

The Stewards requested a report from Terence O'Brien, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Aoibhe's Beau, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Terence O'Brien stated that prior to it's run in Down Royal the last day she had ran well in a schooling race and they expected a good run, however, she got crowded on the run to the third hurdle and didn't act thereafter. They had her heart checked and got her scoped by a vet but nothing showed up. He further added that he is attributing the improvement to the mare not liking long journeys and felt the track close to home today helped. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanations given

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Brides Hill, trained by Gavin Cromwell, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards rated 80-109
Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 12st and the minimum weight shall not be less than 9st 12lbs
Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap shall carry 5lb extra for each hurdle race won.