Absolute Jaffa (GB) wore earplugs throughout the race.

The performance of Takingitallin (IRE), which started joint-second favourite and finished fifth, beaten by 37½ lengths, was considered.

Donald McCain could offer no explanation for the mare’s performance other than Brian Hughes reporting that Takingitallin (IRE) lugged left-handed throughout.

The performance of Simply Loveleh (GB), which started favourite and was pulled up, was considered.

Harry Skelton reported that Simply Loveleh (GB) was never travelling and the representative of Dan Skelton reported that the mare had bled from the nose.

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Prettylittlething (IRE), ridden by Miss Victoria Malzard and trained by Neil Mulholland, which jumped off towards the rear of the field before gradually becoming detached through the middle stages and then staying on from an unpromising position after the last fence in the back straight to finish fourth, beaten by 27½ lengths.

The rider and the representative of the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the mare failed to reveal any abnormalities.

The rider stated her instructions had been to jump out handy and get Prettylittlething (IRE) travelling in behind the leaders and then ride her race from there.

Malzard explained that the tempo had been very strong from the outset and she felt the mare had been outpaced from an early stage.

She added that Prettylittlething (IRE) had continued to lose ground when jumping slowly at several fences.

She further added that having been asked for its effort towards the end of the back straight, the mare did not quicken and stayed on one- paced, only passing tiring horses in the home straight, and in her opinion had obtained the best possible placing.

The representative of the trainer confirmed the instructions and stated that although Prettylittlething (IRE) got much further back than intended due to the fast pace, she was satisfied with the ride given in the circumstances.

The representative also explained that it was Miss Malzard's first ride in a steeplechase race and also her first ride under rules in this country.

Their explanations were noted.