Freezing temperatures and driving rain - weather conditions have had an effect to varying degrees over the past week on Irish racing.

With meetings on Thursday and Saturday postponed to the following week, enthusiasts had to endure a six-day starvation but the action served up on Sunday's Leopardstown card, which featured the Pierse Hurdle, satisifed the cravings.

Controversy and confusion was not too far away however, with the defection of Newmill from the Pierse Hurdle meaning the 'alternative handicap' rule came into force.

With each horse required to carry an additional eight pounds, the revised weights meant the participation of some horses was uncertain while an inevitable merry-go-round of jockeys seemed likely with quite a couple of fancied horses towards the foot of the weights.

These factors have the potential to throw betting markets into disarray and with handicaps such as the Pierse Hurdle generating a large amount of interest and substantial turnover, a ruling which avoids such uncertainty needs to be devised.

Ironically 50-1 shot Penny's Bill, who was due to race from 6lb out of the handicap, suddently found himself racing from the correct mark and he was able to foil the gamble on Psycho.

Of those in behind, Splurge is worth noting for a similar type of contest. Well-supported at double figure prices, he was set a stiff task by his rider and taking into account he was forced to challenge wide while those closest to him at the business end all attained clear passages along the inner, it was a performance of note.

Elsewhere on the card three horses stood out as being worthy of consideration as the season progresses.

KNOCK ON THE HEAD:

Trainer Joe Crowley has endured a torrid time with only one winner this season. Provided his horses overcome the reason hindering their performance, Knock On The Head is a horse that should pick up races. Fourth in the opening beginners chase on Sunday, the two mile one furlong trip would have been on the sharp side for him but having already attained a rating of 110 over the larger obstacles, he looks to be leniently treated judged on what he achieved over hurdles. He will be of interest when introduced to handicap company for the first time over two and a half miles.

DANTE HALL:

Pertemps Qualifiers are always worthy of close scrutiny and the fourth qualifier this season proved no different. Dante Hall was one that caught the eye travelling strongly to two out before flattening out when pressure was applied. Sent off favourite for last seasons Midlands Grand National, connections have plenty of options with him given his versatility (winner over two miles in November) and he appeals as one that could be an Irish National type.

ELEGANT CONCORDE:

The four year old bumper at Leopardstown has an impressive roll of honour with Kicking King and Finger Onthe Pulse among the list of past winners. Time will tell the actual quality of Sundays renewal but the general consensus was that the first two home could be smart. The winner Tornedo Shay is now on-course for the Cheltenham Bumper but connections of Elegant Concorde are likely to keep plans more realistic and a four year old bumper should come his way over the next six weeks.

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