An enquiry was held into the running and riding of SEANJOHNSILVER (IRE), ridden by Callum Shepherd and trained by Declan Carroll, which having broken well from the stalls was allowed to drift back through the field to settle in last place before staying on under apparent tender handling in the home straight to finish fifth, beaten by 6 ½ lengths. The rider and the representative of the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race; the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding, during routine testing, failed to reveal any abnormalities other than SEANJOHNSILVER (IRE) was observed to cough on several occasions in the sampling box. The rider stated that his instructions from the wide draw had been to put SEANJOHNSILVER (IRE) in a position amongst runners and avoid getting trapped deep. He added that it quickly became apparent he would have to go all the way forward or all the way back to obtain a position closer to the rail and he elected to exercise the latter option. He further added that he did not wish to drive the gelding into the home bend and make a wide run, potentially getting SEAJOHNSILVER (IRE) unbalanced, so waited until entering the home straight and immediately obtained clear running whereupon he rode the gelding hands and heels all the way to the line and in his opinion obtained the best possible placing. Shepherd also explained that he would be recommending to the trainer that SEAJOHNSILVER (IRE) would be suited by a step up in trip. The representative of the trainer confirmed the instructions and although the gelding had got further back than intended, she was satisfied with the manner in which SEANJOHNSILVER (IRE) had been ridden, given the predicament Shepherd found himself in early. Their explanations were noted.

Report following an enquiry into the run of SEANJOHNSILVER (IRE)