The Stewards received a report from the Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, that Bear Claws, trained by E. McNamara was found to be a gelding and not a colt as shown on the passport presented. Having considered the report, the Stewards fined E. McNamara €130 in accordance with the provisions of Rule 148(vi).

The Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of Metal Man, trained by Gordon Elliott, placed first compared with its recent form. Evidence was heard from the trainer's Authorised representative Aidan O'Ryan who stated that he had spoken with Gordon Elliot and they were at a loss to explain the improved run but felt that the change in tactics where the animal made the running today and got a free lead in a slow run race, this being his first time to race prominently, appeared to suit him, whereas, the previous day at Gowran Park the animal did not handle the very heavy ground on a day where conditions were terrible. He added that the animal was found to be clinically abnormal after a disappointing run at Thurles on the 10th January. Evidence was also heard from Andrew Shaw, IHRB Senior National Hunt Handicapper, who stated that this animal had four previous runs prior to today. He outlined the runs where on his debut he unseated the rider, ran respectable at Punchestown on the 31st December, was found to be clinically abnormal at Thurles. In relation to todays race he stated that Metal Man had reversed the placings with Djasek (Fr) as compared with their previous run at Gowran Park. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Annie Pender, ridden by D.F. O'Regan, and trained by John Queally. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. The rider stated that his instructions were to get his mount settled and drop her in as she is notoriously difficult. Today he dropped her in to get more cover to try to get her to do her best as it's the best way to ride her. She settled well and jumped fantastic. She made a mistake at a hurdle in the straight, he raced on what was in his opinion the best of the ground down the centre of the track, she wasn't going forward for him and he let her over to the rails. He felt the horse in front of him stopped and he caught him for second but he felt he made up no ground on the winner. Regarding his whip use, he said that he applied the whip at Naas but she found nothing for it.
John Queally, stated that this is a filly he got from the flat. She is very keen and can run well but then flatten out. She is not straight forward and hung off the bend and ran straight for the stands at Punchestown. She also hung badly off the bend at Gowran. He was fully satisfied with the ride given as she needs to be settled. He was very optimistic of a good run today but she's a difficult filly and had to be ridden in a crossed noseband and chifney to help her settle. She is a weak filly that will benefit from a summer at grass. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer which stated that the filly was examined and found to be post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered but reminded D.F. O'Regan of his obligations under Rule 212A(iii) regarding substantial effort.

Under the provisions of Rule 90, the Stewards allowed Razzle Dazzle Love, trained by Thomas Gibney, to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the error identified in the certification of vaccinations would be corrected in accordance with Rule 91 within the timeframe specified.

J.G. Gilligan, rider of Let Her Flow trained by Paul John Gilligan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount pulled up having never travelled.

S.D. Torrens, rider of Loquacious Lady trained by Mrs Lorna Fowler, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right.

T.N. Brett, rider of Lauderdale Lady trained by John Patrick Ryan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped right throughout.

S.D. Torrens, rider of Askann trained by Mervyn Torrens, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined I'm A Game Changer, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

M.F. Mooney, rider of King's War trained by Mrs Ann Mooney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not handle the ground and was pulled up.

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting:

Mr. Laurence McFerran (Chairman)
Rev. Colin Hall-Thompson
Mr. Philip Caffrey
Mr. C.P. Magnier
Mr. M.F O'Donoghue

Disclaimer: Please note this information is provisional and is subject to amendment until published in the Irish Racing Calendar.