See also » Hamilton-defies-slipping-saddle-to-win-on-Punk-Poet
I've never had a slipped saddle before that I can remember. This is a big fat fella (Punk Poet)! When I was saddling him, I said 'they're a bit tight' and I let the girths out. The jockey, in fairness, got them checked at the start. He only jumped out and it (saddle) has gone. Sarah (Lynam, daughter) picked the jockey and said he was very good and I said to Sarah two and a-half out 'you know nothing' but, in fairness to him, there was nothing he could do!. I always blame the jockey! Edward Lynam, trainer

Prior to the meeting, the Raceday Stewards approved a request from Clerk of the Course, B. Sheridan, to amend the distance of this race to seven furlongs and 40 yards, for operational reasons

Mr D.G. Lavery, rider of Invincible Larne, trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stumbled leaving the stalls

Mr T. Hamilton, rider of Punk Poet, trained by Edward Lynam, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his saddle slipped leaving the stalls

Mr E.P. O'Brien, rider of Royal Pippen, trained by S. Donohoe, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount didn't let himself down on the surface.

A limited handicap for four years old and upwards rated 50-80 that, at entry, have run at least three times under any N.H Rules or Rules of Racing
Penalties - (after calculation of the handicap) A winner shall carry 7lb extra for each race won.
Riders - Qualified Riders under I.N.H.S. Rules. Top weight after the time of declaration shall not be less than 12st 4lb and the minimum weight is 10st 7lb Allowances to Riders under Rule 52 (iii) may be claimed in this race except that riders who claim the 7lb allowance will not be allowed to ride in this race.