1st - €60,000.00 2nd - €20,000.00 3rd - €10,000.00 4th - €4,000.00 5th - €3,000.00 6th - €2,000.00 Overcast with threat of rain

FormscanBy Tom Weekes - BALNASLOW is a hopeful choice to maintain his consistent form in recent months and comes here fit and well. He wasn't impressive when winning at Tramore latest but his handicap mark has been left unchanged and, with proven form on a sound surface, should figure. Some Tikket also comes here in fine form and while he won well at Fairyhouse latest (beating Shamiran and The Way We Were), now shoulders an 11lbs penalty. It was too early to say how Mullaghanoe River would have fared in the Irish National latest (fell five out) but he has been unlucky on his last two starts and might well be capable of winning from his current rating. Stablemate Road To Riches has some Grade 1 form and while he was a solid novice chase winner latest, is difficult to assess on his first start in handicap chase company. He is aided by his rider's 7lbs claim but might do better for this new experience. Ericht blundered away his chance at Cheltenham but is better judged by previous form and can figure. Sizing Gold was well beaten on good ground at Cheltenham and might prefer an ease on his handicap chase debut. Followmeuptocarlow, Leavethelighton, Operating and Ballinvarrig each carry sound recent form and cannot be dismissed.

A limited handicap steeplechase for five yrs old and upwards that have not won a steeplechase before 28th April, 2013 other than one Hunters Steeplechase in the previous two National Hunt seasons. In accordance with HRI Directive 3 (ii) (a) the maximum stipulated weight in this race is 11st 10lb and the minimum stipulated weight is 10st 3lb.
Penalties - After calculation of the handicap a winner of a steeplechase or steeplechases shall carry any penalty or penalties which may be allotted by the Handicapper.