See also » OBrien-eyes-Cheltenham-for-Cons-Roc
He was hard to keep sound and, in fairness, the syndicate (Near Or Never Syndicate) were patient as he was supposed to run in Tipperary last May, but I felt the ground was iffy so didn't run. That was a hard one to take, but they were fine about it and he was due to run in Fairyhouse last month but the ground was again too good so we came here. I didn't expect Rocky's Howya (fourth) to show up, so I thought if we finished close to him, we'd be delighted. Obviously Sean Doyle's horse (runner-up Willitgoahead) looks to be decent as well, but our fella had won his point to point really impressively last year. Ideally, we'd love to think we could end up in Cheltenham and he'll have one run before then and hope to get him in. The syndicate are all Kilworth and Araglin people and are good supporters, so it is great to get a win. Terence O'Brien, trainer

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the circumstances surrounding the false start involving Bigbraveboy, ridden by Mr J.G. Murphy, unplaced, Con's Roc, ridden by Mr D. Allen, placed first, Dromleigh, ridden by Miss L

Costello, unplaced, Drumnasoo, ridden by Mr N. McParlan, unplaced, Grageen, ridden by Mr P.A. King, unplaced, Headcorn, ridden by Mr B. Lawless, unplaced, Hitak (FR), ridden by Mr B. O'Neill, unplaced, Jet Fighter, ridden by Mr B.T. Stone, unplaced, Look Dont Touch, ridden by Mr I. Ryan, unplaced, Willitgoahead, ridden by Mr J.L

Scallan, placed second, and Wine An Dine (GB), ridden by Mr J.H. Williamson, placed fifth, where it appeared these riders came forward too quickly prior to the start. Evidence was heard from the IHRB Starter, Mr. B

Hamilton, and riders concerned. Mr. B. Hamilton stated that he asked the riders to walk and they broke into a canter before the flag was raised. Mr J.G. Murphy stated that he just followed the horses in front of him. Mr D

Allen stated that he was unsure if the race had started and he moved forward as he felt Rocky's Howya was gaining an advantage. Miss L. Costello felt she had not contributed to the false start. Mr N. McParlan stated that he couldn't hear the starter and Mr. R.W. Barron's mount kept cutting in causing his mount to get anxious. Mr P.A. King stated that he was unsure if the race had started or not. Mr B. Lawless stated that his mount was trotting to keep up with the horses on his inside and he couldn't see the starter. Mr B. O'Neill stated that his mount jumped into the bridle when the start was anticipated but he tried his best to restrain him. Mr B.T. Stone stated that he was on the outside and couldn't hear the starter. Mr I. Ryan stated that he tried his best to stop his mount. Mr J.L. Scallan stated that he followed the horses in front of him. Mr J.H. Williamson stated that that the horses have gone around him but he has restraint straight away. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found all the above riders were in breach of Rule 208, and having considered their clean records in this regard, the Raceday Stewards suspended them for one raceday each. Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards wished to interview Mr R.W. Barron, rider of Rocky's Howya. However as he had left the racecourse prior to ten minutes after the winner alright had been announced as required under Rule 229(v), the Raceday Stewards referred Mr R.W. Barron to the Referrals Committee to consider whether a breach of Rule 208 had occurred.

A steeplechase for ] Certified Hunters five years old and upwards that have not won a race, including races under any N.H. Rules or Rules of Racing, and that have between 25th September, 2021 and 18th December, 2024 been placed either first, second, third or fourth in a Point To-Point Steeplechase in Ireland or second, third or fourth in a Certified Hunters Steeplechase in Ireland
Weights - 12st Mares allowed 7lbs
Riders - Qualified Riders under I.N.H.S. Rules. ? A Hunters Certificate valid in accordance with Rule 78 for the 2024/2025 season for each horse engaged must be registered at the Offices of The INHSC, The Curragh, Co. Kildare not later than 18th December, 2024 or the horse will not be qualified to start.