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It was such a long race, it never ended! I had to ask my assistant Tom how many laps were left. He jumped, he travelled, it was amazing. We’ve had a winner here before (Willoughby Court), but this is just as good. Jamie is very special, he gave him a superb ride. He wanted to be handier, I think, but they went so quick. With a circuit to go I knew we had a chance as he was jumping and travelling so well. I knew he’d stay, but I didn’t think he’d stay that well. When Discorama jumped upsides I thought ‘what’s going to happen here’, but he was really gutsy. We’ve got one thing in mind for this horse and that is next year’s National, so let’s hope he gets there in one piece. B Pauling, trainer

Ballyward (IRE) wore earplugs.

Permission was given for Mulcahys Hill (IRE) to be mounted in the chute.

It was noted that Clondaw Cian (IRE), placed fourth, lost a cheekpiece on the first circuit.

Mr Robert James, the rider of Just Your Type (IRE), which fell, was suspended for 7 days for using his whip when his horse was showing no response from approaching the home bend.

An enquiry was held to consider whether Mr N McParlan, the rider of Mulcahys Hill (IRE), which fell at the second last fence, had continued in the race when it appeared to be contrary to the horse’s welfare.

The rider and the Veterinary Officer were interviewed and recordings of the incident were viewed.

The Veterinary Officer stated that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.

McParlan was suspended for 8 days.

An enquiry was held to consider whether Mr Robert James, the rider of Just Your Type (IRE), which fell at the final fence, had continued in the race when it appeared to be contrary to the horse’s welfare.

The rider and the Veterinary Officer were interviewed and recordings of the incident were viewed.

The Veterinary Officer stated that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.

James was suspended for 12 days.

An enquiry was held to consider whether Mr D G Lavery, the rider of Jerrysback (IRE), which finished third, beaten 47½ lengths, had continued in the race when it appeared to be contrary to the horse’s welfare after tired jumping errors at the final two fences.

The rider was interviewed and recordings of the incident were viewed.

Lavery was suspended for 10 days.

The Stewards wished to hold an enquiry into whether Mr Damien Skehan, the rider of Clondaw Cian (IRE), which finished fourth, beaten 48½ lengths, had continued in the race when it appeared contrary to his horse’s welfare, but were unable to do so as Skehan had left the course.

They adjourned their enquiry to 14 March.

Following the race, Mr Derek O’Connor reported that Ok Corral (IRE), which was pulled up, was hampered on several occasions by fallers.

a novice five-year-olds and upwards. To be ridden by Category B Amateur Riders or Category C Qualified Riders
Weights - 5-y-o 11st 4lb; 6-y-o and upwards 11st 6lb
Allowances - Mares allowed 7lb