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the race was on the short side and we were on the wrong side of the weights with a couple of them although we always thought he could do. We put him into the race because we couldn't see another one and we thought he'd need another run if he was to go to Fairyhouse or Punchestown. We're delighted because he works well at home and I'd say the cheek-pieces helped him a little bit. Barry (Browne) had a bit of bother with him the last day in Leopardstown, they got their wires crossed a little bit, but today everything went perfect. Barry gave him a powerful ride and he knows him well. He jumped beautifully, especially the last, and he did it very well. He should be a better horse over 2m4f or 2m6f. I'm not sure what the plan is and will have to talk to the syndicate. They were asking if he could go to Aintree but I'm not sure as he's a handful to get to the start relaxed. There was a lot of noise in the parade ring here today and I wasn't impressed. Luckily enough he had earplugs in or we would have been in trouble with him. One day in Leopardstown they took down a hurdle, and they were walking around for about five minutes. He was covered in froth before the race started but still finished second. Oliver McKiernan, trainer

A novice hurdle race for four yrs old and upwards
Weights - 4-y-o 10st 4lb; 5-y-o & up 11st 2lb; Mares allowed 7lb
Penalties - (handicaps excluded) Winner of a hurdle race 4lb extra; Of two hurdle races or of a Listed hurdle race 7lb extra; Of a Grade 1, 2 or 3 hurdle race 10lb extra; HRI Directive 6 (ii) (b) is suspended for the purpose of this race.