See also » Carlingford-claims-dramatic-Gold-Cup
I didn't think he could win two (Irish Gold Cups). He was in good form but I was just hoping to be in the first four. I told Mark to ride him to finish, and it worked. I think he won despite the ground, and if he was up with the pace I don’t think he would have got home. Going to the last you could see he was finding a new lease of life, and I thought he had a chance then. It’s lovely for Mark as he’s done a lot of the ground work. John E Kiely, trainer

D.N. Russell, rider of First Lieutenant, trained by M.F.Morris, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount stopped very quickly and was noted to have sustained cuts to his lower chest area. The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined First Lieutenant, trained by M.F.Morris, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have two skin cuts to the lower chest area but was otherwise post race normal. The Stewards requested a report from John E. Kiely, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Carlingford Lough, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that his charge had disappointed in the Lexus Chase here at Leopardstown on the 28th December but being ridden off the fast early pace today gave him a chance to gallop into the race in the closing stages. He added that in the past his charge had shown better form from this stage of the year onwards. Having considered the evidence the Stewards accepted the content of the report.

A steeplechase for five yrs old and upwards
Weights - 5-y-o 11st 3lb; 6-y-o and up 11st 10lb; Mares allowed 7lb