Permission was given for Nikki's Girl (IRE) to go early to post and to wear a red hood to the start and for Kaaranah (IRE) to wear a red hood to post.

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Kaaranah (IRE), ridden by Jonathan Fisher and trained by John Butler, which settled towards the rear before encountering a troubled passage and staying on under hands and heels riding to finish eighth of ten runners, beaten 3½ lengths.

The rider was interviewed and shown recordings of the race.

The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of Kaaranah (IRE) failed to reveal any abnormalities, however he noted the gelding was slightly unlevel behind.

Fisher stated that his instructions were to jump out and settle where Kaaranah (IRE) was comfortable and after finding the rail quickly from stall 4, was happy with his early position despite being rearward.

He indicated that in his opinion the early pace was even, however Kaaranah (IRE) was still inclined to run a little freely going out for the final circuit.

Fisher explained that approaching 3 furlongs out he elected to stay tracking NIKKI’S GIRL (IRE), placed third, on the rail as it was travelling stronger than the winner Equion (GB) which was one off the rail and under pressure, preferring to secure an economical run rather than potentially having to course 3 wide in order to make his challenge, if Equion (GB) didn’t give him a tow into the race.

A short distance later after committing to ride for luck, he had been shuffled back when obliged to check off the heels of NIKKI’S GIRL (IRE) and that the gelding had then been a little outpaced initially when the tempo increased approaching the home bend.

He added that it was originally his intention to search for inside runs down the home straight, however it quickly became apparent that things were very congested near the far rail and for this reason he decided to mount his challenge down the centre of the track.

He further added that approximately 1 furlong out Pysanka (FR), unplaced, had wandered right-handed in front of him and whilst that runner had been clear, it left Kaaranah (IRE) which was staying on disappointed for clear running and cost him momentum in the process.

Thereafter, he elected not to switch wide around BARNEY’S ANGEL, placed fourth, and potentially unbalance his mount as there was just sufficient room for him to squeeze between that runner and Pysanka (FR) over the concluding stages.

The Stewards noted Fisher’s explanation.

Inside 1½ furlongs out Pysanka (FR), unplaced, shifted quickly left-handed away from the whip, crossing into the path of Nikki's Girl (IRE), placed third, which was badly checked in its run, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.

The winner, Equion (GB), appeared to show improved form compared with its previous run at Kempton on 14 June 2023 where the gelding finished last of fourteen runners, beaten by 21 lengths.

It was noted that Tony Carroll could offer no explanation for the gelding’s improved form.

Following the race, Jack Mitchell reported that Snooze Lane (IRE), unplaced, was slowly away, Alistair Rawlinson reported that Bond Boy (GB), unplaced, hung right-handed, Billy Loughnane reported that Pysanka (FR), unplaced, ran greenly under pressure and Daniel Muscutt reported that Nikki's Girl (IRE), placed third, suffered interference approaching 1 furlong out.