As Dan Skelton had not indicated at declaration stage that Cher Tara (IRE) should be withdrawn in the event of losing a shoe, the gelding ran without its left-hind shoe.

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Cher Tara (IRE), ridden by Kielan Woods and trained by Dan Skelton, which was held up in the rear of the field before given a hands and heels ride in the straight, to finish ninth of sixteen runners, beaten 26¾ lengths.

The rider and the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race; the Veterinary Officer reported that Cher Tara (IRE) had minor lacerations to both hind legs and the mare was without its left hind shoe, which the mare lost prior to the race.

The rider stated that his instructions were to take his time on Cher Tara (IRE) and come with a late challenge.

Woods explained that the mare jumped the first two hurdles cautiously and ended up further back than he wanted, but at that time he felt Cher Tara (IRE) was travelling nicely throughout the race.

He further stated that there was a decent pace in the race so was not overly concerned to be held up in the last pair going down the back straight on the final circuit.

Woods added that the mare’s jumping improved on the final circuit, but once he asked Cher Tara (IRE) to quicken approaching the final bend, the mare was hanging right.

He further added that when he straightened the mare up into the home straight he wanted to make his move between Imperious Star (IRE), unplaced, and Raindance Queen (IRE), unplaced, to help his mount stay straight, at which point a gap did not appear and he therefore switched right to continue his run where the mare hung violently right-handed up the straight, a matter that was reported to Scales, and in his opinion, gave a hands and heels ride to the line as best as he could with Cher Tara (IRE) hanging so badly.

Skelton stated he was satisfied with the ride according to instructions and that Cher Tara (IRE) losing a shoe prior to the race, may have caused the mare to hang so violently right-handed on this occasion.

Their comments were noted.

Following the race, James Davies reported that Pip Away (IRE), unplaced, hung left-handed and Kielan Woods reported that, Cher Tara (IRE), unplaced, hung badly right-handed up the home straight.