See also » Aintree-plan-follows-Velvet-victory
that's a relief for a small yard like ours as Derek (Kierans) is our biggest spending owner but the two horses he has with me (Velvet Elvis and Hartur D'arc) had flop simultaneously this season. We had very high hopes for both at the start of the season and we've done all the tests going, but had no answers and you are scratching your head. It was a 100 percent recovery mission here and we're definitely on the way back which is good. Thomas Gibney, trainer

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Thomas Gibney, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Velvet Elvis, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Thomas Gibney stated that a return to running in a small field of runners may have contributed to his return to winning ways. Having considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards noted the content of the report.

A steeplechase for five years old and upwards which at entry are rated 135 or less (also open to horses which at entry are rated 136-150)
Weights - 5-y-o 10st 9lbs 6-y-o and up 10st 13lbs
Penalties - Performances before 2nd February - for every 1lb above the rating of 135 1lb extra On or after 2nd February - for each steeplechase race won 7lb extra