An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Hart Stopper (GB), ridden by Sam James and trained by Grant Tuer, which after jumping on terms with the field then quickly became detached through the early stages, and having been asked for its finishing effort from towards the end of the back straight stayed on evenly in the home straight to finish eighth of eleven, beaten by 6 lengths.

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

The rider stated his instructions were to take his time, see how the race developed and to obtain the best possible placing.

James explained that Hart Stopper (GB) was outpaced and didn’t travel with any fluency in the first two furlongs which meant he had got further out of his ground than had been desirable.

He added that for some distance through the middle stages, Hart Stopper (GB) had been under pressure to improve his position but was unable to do so until staying on past tiring horses from approaching the final furlong.

James further explained that Hart Stopper (GB) had been briefly hampered by a weakening Katheefa (USA) approximately ½ a furlong out when that runner lugged right into his path.

The trainer confirmed the instructions and expressed satisfaction with the manner in which the gelding had been handled on this occasion, before adding that they would consider running Hart Stopper (GB) over a stiffer 6 furlongs next start, with a view to being more positive early should he get a favourable draw and jump cleanly.

Their explanations were noted.

Approximately 1 furlong out, Steelriver (IRE), placed third, edged slightly left-handed, causing Katheefa (USA), unplaced, to be steadied when crowded, 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 Steelriver (IRE).

An enquiry was held to consider the placings in this race after interference inside the final furlong involving Walk On Walter (IRE), placed fifth, ridden by Daniel Muscutt and Venturous (IRE), unplaced, ridden by Robbie Downey.

The Stewards considered that the interference had improved Walk On Walter (IRE)’s placing as Venturous (IRE) had been significantly checked in its run at a vital stage of the race when mounting its challenge on the far rail, before recovering and staying on strongly all the way to the line and being beaten a diminishing ½ length margin, with the placings revised as follows: Fifth, Venturous (IRE), Sixth, Walk On Walter (IRE).

The interference was found to be accidental as Walk On Walter (IRE) had hung persistently left-handed despite Muscutt's best efforts to correct the gelding.

Following the race, Dougie Costello reported that El Hombre (GB), placed second, hung left-handed under pressure.