See also » Promotion-for-coachman-in-Naas-opener
Noel Meade:- .I know I'm biased but I think it was the right decision. What probably made the decision was when Paul jumped the second-last he came over in front of him. You could say why didn't he (Cooper) go round him but he never actually had a chance to go around him because once Paul blocked him up, he had nowhere to go except to keep going straight. Rachael (Blackmore, on Amirite) came out and Paul went in (at the last) but I think he was the best horse. I'll have to talk to JP and Frank (Berry, McManus' racing manager) before I can say where he's going to go next because I don't know. Frank is away on holidays with the boss. I do think wherever he goes, he does need soft ground, that's essential. Noel Meade, trainer

The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference approaching the last fence involving Amirite, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, placed third, Ramillies ridden by P. Townend, placed first, and Thedevilscoachman, ridden by B.J. Cooper, placed second, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence B. J. Cooper, stated that he felt pressure from both sides approaching the last fence. Rachael Blackmore, stated that her mount slipped on approaching the last fence causing interference which she had reported at scales as required under the provisions of Rule 213. P. Townend, stated that he felt he was keeping a straight line at the time of contact approaching the last fence. Having viewed a recording of the incident and considered the evidence, the Raceday stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings and did not apportion blame to any rider in relation to this incident

Furthermore the Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference shortly after the second last fence involving Ramillies, ridden by P. Townend, placed first, and Thedevilscoachman, ridden by B.J. Cooper, placed second, where it appeared that Ramillies moved right into the path of Thedevilscoachman causing interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence B. J. Cooper, stated that he felt there was a gap he was entitled to go through having jumped the second last fence and as he filled the gap he received pressure from his inside causing him significant interference and momentum which caused him to check back. P. Townend, stated that he moved back to his right having jumped left at the second last fence to regain his racing line and felt he made every effort to straighten his mount when he felt contact with the horse on his inner. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence and in particular the margin of a neck between both horses at the finish, the Raceday Stewards formed the view that Ramillies had caused interference to Thedevilscoachman and as a result of this interference had improved it’s finishing position. The Raceday Stewards therefore reversed the placings of the first two horses and amended the result to read as follows: Amended Result: First:Thedevilscoachman Second: Ramilles Third: Amirite Fourth: Chemical energy

Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that P. Townend was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and issued him with a caution on this occasion. In arriving at their decision concerning a penalty for this breach of Rule 214, the Raceday Stewards considered the excellent record of P. Townend in this regard over a prolonged period of time which formed the basis for the decision taken.

A novice steeplechase for five years old and upwards
Weights - 5-y-o 10st 7lbs 6-y-o and up 11st Mares allowed 7lbs
Penalties - Penalties (handicaps excluded) - Winner of two steeplechases 3lb extra Of three steeplechases or a Grade 3 steeplechase 6lb extra Of two Grade 3 steeplechases or a Grade 2 steeplechase 8lb extra Of a Grade 1 steeplechase 12lb extra