See also » Fahey-on-the-mark-again-with-The-Big-Doyen
Fair play to the lads as they had to make the call not to sell him after he won two bumpers. He enjoys being left alone to bowl along in front and in fairness to Kevin he always said to step him up in distance but I couldn't see it myself because he was so keen over two-miles. Last winter he didn't go on the heavy ground and it wasn't working out for us. He went up in trip and letting him bowl along in races has suited and he wants nice ground. I think he will be a cracking horse over fences but we'll see where things go over hurdles first. He is electric to jump and I think will be the same over fences. He is a nice horse going forward. this is great for the lads, they're having great craic from it and hopefully they get plenty luck with him. We've had a great week, some of my horses ran moderately but had genuine excuses and we'll definitely enjoy tonight! Peter Fahey, trainer

The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference after the last hurdle involving What Path (FR), ridden by P. Townend, placed second, and The Big Doyen, ridden by K.C. Sexton, placed first, where it appeared What Path suffered interference when challenging. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. P. Townend stated that his momentum was stopped on 3 separate occasions from the last to the line. In his opinion on the uphill run this interference cost him the winning of the race. K.C. Sexton stated that his horse was idling in front and felt he was clear of What Path for most of the run in. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that while The Big Doyen had caused interference to What Path, he did not improve his finishing position as a result of this interference so they made no alteration to the Judge’s placings

They were, however, of the opinion that K.C. Sexton was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards cautioned him on this occasion

P. Townend, rider of What Path (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount received interference three times from the last to the line

B.W. Harvey, rider of Encanto Bruno, trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Encanto Bruno, trained by John C

McConnell, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.

A novice hurdle for four years old and upwards
Weights - 4-y-o 10st 10lbs 5-y-o and up 11st Mares allowed 7lbs
Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race 4lb extra Of two hurdle races 7lb extra Of three or more hurdle races 10lb extra