See also » OBrien-on-the-mark-again-as-Gold-seals-victory

I.J. McCarthy, rider of Jezarus, trained by T.M. Walsh, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran keen early on in this race

D.E. Mullins, rider of Saga Altais, trained by Anthony Mullins, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount pulled hard, jumped low at some of the hurdles and made up no ground from the last to the finish

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Saga Altais, ridden by D.E. Mullins, and trained by Anthony Mullins. Evidence was heard from the trainers authorised representative and rider concerned. Ms Jackie Carter, authorised representative, stated that the rider knew the horse very well and was instructed to get his mount to settle, to jump around and to do his best as the horse can be free and jumps indifferently. She added that this animal had gurgled during it's previous hurdle race which was run on heavy ground. D.E Mullins, rider, confirmed the instructions and stated that he intended to jump off in third or fourth place in the hope that the race would be run at a strong pace but in a slow pace he found himself in front going to the first hurdle. He added that he tucked his mount in behind the leaders after the second hurdle but the gelding rushed his hurdles and made mistakes on the first circuit. He felt that the pace settled quickly and that rhythm was maintained until after the fourth last hurdle. At that stage he was satisfied with his position but his mount did not know how to quicken in the straight and consequently he kept the horse balanced facing up to the third last hurdle at which point he felt that his mount had emptied. He felt that it was pointless using the whip and his urgings from the final hurdle did not improve his placing. In his opinion his mount could win a four year old hurdle race on similar ground provided that he learnt to settle. Ms Jackie Carter confirmed the fact that their charge had gurgled as already stated but that fact had not been reported at that time by either the trainer or rider. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Saga Altais was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation of D.E. Mullins and the trainer through his authorised representative. However, based on the evidence and admission of the trainers authorised representative in relation to Saga Altais having gurgled at Fairyhouse 7th February, a matter that was not reported, the Stewards were of the opinion that the trainer and rider of that day were possibly in breach of Rule 213 and consequently referred this matter to the Referrals Committee

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Saga Altais, trained by Anthony Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis

A hurdle race for four yrs old only, that have not won a *race
Weights - 11st 7lb; Fillies allowed 7lb