Permission was given for Farland (IRE) to be mounted on the chute.

At the first hurdle, Peso (IRE), placed fourth, jumped left-handed hampering DE VEGA’S WARRIOR (IRE), unplaced, 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 Peso (IRE).

Approaching the final hurdle Peso (IRE), placed fourth, shifted right-handed whilst racing greenly impeding Farland (IRE), placed third, which was carried off its intended line, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Farland (IRE), ridden by Harry Cobden and trained by Paul Nicholls, which was restrained at the start and ridden at the rear of the field, before making strong headway in the home straight under hands and heels riding to finish third of twelve runners, beaten by 6¾ lengths.

Cobden was interviewed and shown recordings of the race, whilst the Veterinary Officer examined Farland (IRE) and reported the gelding to be post-race normal, other than exhibiting a sore mouth with splits evident in both corners.

Cobden stated that his instructions were to drop Farland (IRE) out early, get plenty of cover and ride him quietly with a view to him settling better than on previous runs.

Cobden indicated that whilst Farland (IRE) is only lightly raced, he is a genuinely difficult ride and his greenness and inexperience have been evident on all three prior racecourse appearances.

Cobden explained that on this occasion the gelding had been unsuited by the moderate tempo, which didn’t assist in getting him to switch off and furthermore Farland (IRE) had hung badly left-handed throughout, a fact he reported at scales.

In expanding on the difficulties he faced whilst riding Farland (IRE), particularly in the home straight, Cobden continued by saying that despite hanging left-handed his mount travelled into the race strongly from turning in and he had been able to angle wider and improve his position to be within striking distance of the leaders on the long approach to two out.

However, when placed under pressure from this point in the race Cobden added that Farland (IRE) was virtually on one rein and hung persistently left- handed, despite his repeated endeavours to steer the gelding right-handed or even straighten him.

Cobden further stated that matters became more complicated approaching the last hurdle as Peso (IRE), placed fourth, had wandered right-handed into his racing line, and bearing in mind his mount’s lack of tractability, he eased in his riding after being concerned about potentially catching a heel.

Cobden finished by saying that the aforementioned factors had contributed to him being poorly positioned when jumping the final hurdle and as a result he had somewhat accepted that realistically the best placing he could obtain thereafter was third, after the first two horses had effectively got first run on him and as a consequence he had not been unduly hard on his mount down the run-in, to finish 6 lengths behind the second placed runner Beau Quali (FR).

Lastly, Cobden explained that he felt Farland (IRE) would appreciate a step up in trip, a more truly run race and ideally a course with as much continuous running rail as possible to assist with the gelding’s racing manners.

His explanation was noted.

Following the race, Harry Cobden reported that Farland (IRE), placed third, hung badly left-handed throughout and Jack Tudor reported that Tuxedo Junction (GB), unplaced, ran too free.