See also » Rodney-Bay-floors-gamble-on-Ellaat

The Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of Ellaat (GB), trained by Noel C. Kelly, placed second compared with its recent form. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that he had purchased this animal in a private transaction and found him to be very flat in himself when brought to his premises. He gave the animal a long break to freshen him and found in running him over hurdles that he did not appear to get home so he switched him back to flat races. He added that the animal had worked well with his own horses recently and felt that he was capable of returning to form today. In relation to the market support, he stated that he had expressed the animals well being to a few friends and had also supported his charge in the market

Evidence was also heard from Mr Mark Bird, IHRB Rules of Racing Handicapper, who stated that this animal had previously won at Ballinrobe for his former trainer and since being under the care of Noel Kelly, the animal had run very poorly in two runs under the Rules of Racing along with further disappointing runs under N.H Rules. He further informed the Stewards that Ellaat had run off 46 today but its two previous runs under the Rules of Racing related to ratings of 15 and 35. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanations. Furthermore they requested that samples be taken for analysis

GENERAL INFORMATION The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting: Mr. J. O'Shaughnessy (Chairman), Mr. M. Moloney, Mr. P. Ronan, Mr. L. Walsh

An extended handicap for four years old and upwards rated 45-65
Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 10st 2lbs and the minimum weight shall not be less than 8st 6lbs
Penalties - (after calculation of the handicap) A winner shall carry 6lb extra for each race won.