See also » Death-Duty-passes-Grade-2-test
He's done it well and we like him a lot. I thought he'd improved a bit from the last day, and Bryan said he was on the bridle more today. He will go now for the Grade 1 (Lawlors Hotel) Novice Hurdle at Naas (January 8th). He looks an Albert Bartlett type. Gordon Elliott, trainer

The Stewards interviewed Gordon Elliott, trainer of Labaik (FR), concerning the conduct of this horse who refused to race after a fair start had been effected. Gordon Elliot admitted that this animal was an excellent work horse at home but was purchased for a reasonable sum having shown tendencies to refuse to compete on the racecourse. He added that the animal had been hunted recently and different training methods had been tried some of which had worked whenever he decided to race. The Stewards informed Gordon Elliott, that, in view of previous warnings given at Fairyhouse and Laytown for similar instances of failing to start, that todays refusal to race was a breach of Rule 212 (b) and consequently suspended Labaik (FR) from racing for 42 days.

A novice hurdle race for four yrs old and upwards
Weights - 4-y-o 10st 13lb; 5-y-o and up 11st 3lb; Mares allowed 7lb
Penalties - (handicaps excluded) Winner of three hurdle races or of a Grade 3 hurdle race 3lb extra; Of two Grade 3 hurdle races or of a Grade 2 hurdle race 5lb extra; Of a Grade 1 hurdle race 7lb extra;