An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Braid Blue (IRE), ridden by Henry Brooke and trained by Gordon Elliott, which was held up before staying on under apparent tender handling to finish fifth of fourteen beaten 9 lengths.

The rider and the trainer’s representative were interviewed and shown recordings of the race, and the Veterinary Officer reported post-race examinations of the gelding during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.

The rider stated his instructions were to sit seventh or eighth, on the bridle, and get the gelding jumping and travelling and to make sure the gelding finished its race.

He added that the gelding had jumped very poorly on its hurdle debut at Galway.

The trainer’s representative stated that she was satisfied the ride accorded with the instructions given.

Brooke was suspended for 14 days and Elliott was fined £3000 for schooling the horse on the racecourse in that Brooke had failed to ride his mount in such a way that he could be seen to ask for timely, real and substantial effort to obtain the best possible placing.

Braid Blue (IRE) was suspended from running in any race for 40 days.

Following the race, the Veterinary Office reported that Baileys Artist (GB), unplaced, lost its right hind shoe.