7.45 2m. 7f. 11 Declared. Dan Linehan's Celebrating Hunters Schase of €10,500.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €6,300.00 2nd - €2,100.00 3rd - €1,050.00 4th - €525.00 5th - €315.00 6th - €210.00
FormscanBy Eamonn Murphy - First and second here last year, Annamix and Nice To Meet are back to renew rivalry, but when it comes to this event J P McManus and Enda Bolger are often the team to row in behind. Former Galway Plate hero EARLY DOORS represents McManus and Bolger now. In the hands of Derek O'Connor, the eleven-year-old, that hasn't been too heavily campaigned through his career, would probably appreciate the forecast better ground. Given that he hasn't won anything other than a point-to-point since his big day at Ballybrit in 2020, the weights of this contest are favourable for the Soldier Of Fortune gelding. Gordon Elliott is represented by two of the older brigade in Battleoverdoyen and Hardline. Younger more progressive types like Romeo Magico and Au Fleuron might hold sway when it comes to contending for places in the frame though.
A steeplechase for ] Certified Hunters five years old and upwards that have been placed first, second, third or fourth in a Certified Hunters' Steeplechase or in a Point-to-Point Steeplechase in Ireland between 19th September, 2020 and 7th May, 2024 and that have not won a Race under any N.H. Rules or Rules of Racing since 1st March, 2023 other than Certified Hunters SteeplechasesWeights - 11st 7lbs Mares allowed 7lbsPenalties - (to count from 1st January, 2022) Winner of a steeplechase 4lb extra Of two steeplechases 7lb extra Of three or more steeplechases 10lb extraRiders - Qualified Riders under I.N.H.S. Rules. a? A Hunters Certificate valid in accordance with Rule 78 for the 2023/2024 season for each horse engaged must be registered at the Office of the I.N.H.S. Committee, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, not later than 7th May or the horse is not qualified to start.