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The Stewards enquired into the reason lodged by Mr. W.P. Mullins, trainer, for the withdrawal of his charge Ballycasey (change in going) from this race. Mr. Mullins stated that Ballycasey was always considered to be a horse that ran his best races on good ground even though he had gained success on many different ground descriptions. He added that the animal had not won for over a year and consideration was now being given to running him in cross country races where the ground is generally good or thereabouts. In analysing the horses career he felt that as a young horse he handled all ground descriptions and ran very well in Graded company without winning a Grade 1 race, but in latter years the horse struggled in handicap company and had been competing in conditions races where he had run well without always running to his handicap mark. As a result the horse had dropped significantly down the handicap. In summary he felt that Ballycasey was suited by small fields of runners but competing on todays ground conditions with a large number of runners where he would encounter kickback was not suitable to him at this stage of his career. Mr Andrew Shaw, IHRB Senior National Hunt handicapper gave an assessment of the horses career where he referred to successes on all going descriptions, the majority being on soft or heavy ground. He added that Ballycasey had dropped significantly from a rating of 160 last year to todays mark of 147. Having considered all the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation

The Stewards requested a report from Gordon Elliott, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Clarcam (FR), placed first, as compared with its recent run at Punchestown on the 25th April where he finished eleventh beaten 54 lengths by the winner Patricks Park whom he reversed placings with today. Gordon Elliot stated that Clarcam (FR) had run a very good race at Aintree on the 13th April but disappointed at Punchestown. He added that a number of his runners at that time of the year ran below par but this animal remained in light training without getting a summer break and reappeared fresh today to run back to his best form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report

Under the provisions of Rule 90 (iii), the Stewards allowed Drumcliff, trained by Harry Fry (in GB), to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the horse was correctly vaccinated in accordance with Rule 91

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Drumcliff trained by Harry Fry (in GB) had evidence of blood in both nostrils possibly as a result of his fall when observed post race P. Townend, rider of Haymount trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a bad mistake early in the race

An extended handicap steeplechase for four yrs old and upwards
Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase or steeplechases after calculation of the handicap shall carry any penalty or penalties which may be allotted by the Handicapper. Alternative Handicap