See also » Slope-just-edges-threeway-thriller

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident at a course marker after the third last hurdle involving An Mhi, ridden by D.N. Russell, placed sixth, and The Gradual Slope, ridden by C.M. Quirke, placed first, where it appeared that An Mhi ran short of room at that point. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence, D.N. Russell stated that he was riding on the inner when his mount got tight for room from pressure from his outside leaving him with nowhere to go when meeting a course marker. C.M. Quirke stated that he thought that he was gone by An Mhi but admitted that this was not the case at the course marker. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found that C.M. Quirke was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered his previous record in this regard, the Raceday Stewards suspended C.M. Quirke for one raceday

D.N. Russell, rider of An Mhi, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was badly hampered after the third last hurdle

The Raceday Stewards interviewed C.M. Quirke, rider of The Gradual Slope, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, C. M. Quirke accepted that he was in breach of the whip rules. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that C. M. Quirke was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taking into consideration his previous record in this regard, the Raceday Stewards suspended C

M. Quirke for one raceday

A novice hurdle for five years old and upwards which at entry are rated 110 or less (also open to horses which at entry are rated 111-123)
Weights - 11st 1lbs
Penalties - Performances before 19th January - for every 1lb above the rating of 110 1lb extra On or after 19th January - for each hurdle race won 7lb extra