Darragh Keenan, the rider of Plunger (GB), drawn 9, was slow to remove the blindfold resulting in his mount being slowly away.

Keenan’s explanation that the gelding had reared as the start was effected, thus causing him to lose his grip which meant a second attempt was required in order to successfully remove the blindfold, was noted.

Entering the first bend, Critical Thinking (IRE), placed third, hung slightly right-handed, crowding Messalina (IRE), placed seventh, onto the winner, Inaam (IRE), which was checked across the heels of Plunger (GB), placed eighth, 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 Critical Thinking (IRE).

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Plunger (GB), ridden by Darragh Keenan and trained by David Evans, which finished eighth of nine, beaten 5 lengths and Treaty Of Dingle (GB), ridden by Thomas Greatrex and trained by Sean Curran which finished ninth of nine, beaten 6 lengths, after both runners had appeared to engage in a speed battle when contesting the lead which served to ensure a very strong gallop throughout the middle stages of the race.

Keenan and the representative of David Evans were interviewed and shown recordings of the race separately to Greatrex and Sean Curran who were also questioned.

The Veterinary Officer reported that post-race examinations of both Plunger (GB) and Treaty Of Dingle (GB), failed to reveal any abnormalities.

Keenan stated that his instructions were to make the running, however the gelding had reared leaving the stalls, causing him to be slow in removing the blindfold and miss the break, a fact he had reported at scales.

He added that after riding Plunger (GB) along for several strides in the early stages to recover lost ground, the gelding had latched on to the bridle with clear daylight rounding the first bend, and quickly pulled his way forward around the outside of runners to go upsides Treaty Of Dingle (GB) down the back straight.

Keenan explained that Plunger (GB) is a long- striding horse and whilst he was aware they were going quickly up front, given his mount was running very freely, he was focused on keeping Plunger (GB) balanced and in a nice rhythm as opposed to restraining or fighting him and trying to slot in behind Treaty Of Dingle (GB).

Keenan added Plunger (GB) was also constantly being further lit-up by the fact Greatrex had persevered up his inside for much of the race.

The representative of David Evans confirmed that the ride had accorded with the instructions given and although Evans himself had been satisfied with the ride, he had felt that Plunger (GB) ran too freely and as a result hadn't seen his race out.

Greatrex stated that his instructions were to make the running, ensuring it was a proper test as the filly stays further and to grind it out from the front end.

Greatrex explained that Treaty Of Dingle (GB) had jumped smartly from stall 3 and quickly assumed control going into the first bend and when Plunger (GB) came upsides to eye-ball him down the back straight, he was unwilling to relinquish the lead and had persisted in trying to hold the rails position from Plunger (GB).

Greatrex added that he was unaware the pair had opened up such a sizeable lead mid-race, and acknowledged that in hindsight he may have been better served handing up the lead to a free-running Plunger (GB) in order to give his mount a breather and conserve energy.

The trainer confirmed that the filly had been ridden to his instructions and expressed a level of satisfaction with the ride.

Their explanations were noted.

Following the race, Hollie Doyle reported that Messalina (IRE), placed seventh, was outpaced in the early stages of the race.