| The return to steeplechasing of last year's Grand National hero Bindaree is the main talking point of the race. |
| Amongst his rivals is the great enigma of Irish steeplechasing, Florida Pearl. |
| At one time it was suggested that he should drink gin to keep him from growing so he could become a flat jockey, but his love was steeplechasing. |
| In fact, it is the exception when another than an Irish-bred horse annexes the blue riband of steeplechasing. |
| As a fully trained-up marathon man, his shape has changed from the lean to the positively skeletal since his steeplechasing days. |
| In fact, with each and every protagonist exuding fatigue even before the home turn, it took steeplechasing to the very margins of presentability. |
