An enquiry was held to consider the circumstances surrounding the non-arrival of Ciaran Gethings, who was declared to ride Push The Tempo (IRE), trained by Robert Stephens, and the substitution of Tom O’Brien.

Tom O’Brien and Robert Stephens were interviewed and the riders’ agent, who was not in attendance at the meeting, gave evidence via telephone.

Having heard their evidence, the matter was forwarded to the Head Office of the British Horseracing Authority for further consideration.

Permission was given for Mount Mews (IRE) to wear a hood in the Parade Ring only and to be mounted on the track.

Approaching the home bend on the first circuit, Admiral Barratry (FR), unplaced, edged slightly left crowding Brio Conti (FR), which was pulled up, onto Push The Tempo (IRE), unplaced, which in turn tightened Doctor Dex (IRE), placed sixth, which caused Mount Mews (IRE), unplaced, to be checked on the rails, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.

Entering the bend leaving the back straight on the first circuit, a free-running Canardier (FR), placed third, shifted left when steadied off the heels of Mount Mews (IRE), unplaced, tightening Knight In Dubai (IRE), placed fifth, onto Joke Dancer (GB), unplaced, which had to be checked, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved and that it had not improved the placing of Canardier (FR).

Jack Kennedy, the rider of the winner, Three Musketeers (IRE), was suspended for 4 days for using his whip above the permitted level from the third last hurdle.

Following the race, Nico de Boinville reported that Kobrouk (FR), which was pulled up, ran too free and the Veterinary Officer reported that Caltex (FR), placed eighth, lost its right hind shoe.

Harry Cobden reported that Brio Conti (FR), which was also pulled up, stopped quickly and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.