See also » Rouge-leaves-punters-feeling-Bleu
He ran very well at Christmas and he learned an awful lot. I think Barry went out there with a bit of confidence after talking to Mark (Walsh). The plan was to make it with Bellshill and for Bleu Et Rouge to follow him. I was a bit surprised that Barry took on Bellshill so far out but Ruby said that Bellshill just wasn’t giving him the same feel that he normally gives him. He had to reach a bit for the first one down the back, and maybe it took a bit out of him. Barry did the right thing and his horse just looked a bit green going to the last. Barry thought that if he could keep a bit up his sleeve going to the last that he might beat Tombstone, which he did. All the jockeys are saying it’s very testing so another two or three furlongs of the Neptune might suit him. “Petit Mouchoir took a fair pull and then stopped quickly. W P Mullins, trainer

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Bellshill, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal .

A novice hurdle race for five yrs old and upwards
Weights - 5-y-o 11st 9lb; 6-y-o and up 11st 10lb; Mares allowed 7lb