An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Zain Nights (GB), ridden by Gavin Sheehan and trained by Lucy Wadham, which raced mid division and was tenderly handled in the home straight before running on strong to be beaten 2 lengths for second place.

The rider and the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race.

The Veterinary Officer reported a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any significant findings.

Sheehan stated that his instructions were to follow the favourite and make his challenge as and when he was able to do so.

He explained that having made a mistake at the first hurdle, Zain Nights (GB) was further back than ideal but as this was the gelding’s first run over hurdles he opted to remain where he was rather than bustle it up in case it began to over-race.

He added that the gelding did, in fact, settle well in the early stages off what he thought was a strong gallop although his jumping was novicey and he maintained that he was flat out throughout and had wanted to be closer to the leaders rounding the final bend.

Regarding his ride in the home straight, he said that he had focussed on getting the gelding to jump home safely, adding that he was pleased with his jumping at this stage, and had switched to the inside to get the best of the ground in order to achieve his best possible placing.

Wadham confirmed the instructions.

She also confirmed that she was pleased with Sheehan’s ride because, as this was Zain Nights (GB)’ first time over hurdles, they wanted him to find a good rhythm and have a nice introduction whilst acknowledging that it was a considerate ride as a result of the gelding’s poor jumping early on.

She added that there were no immediate plans for the gelding going forward as they wanted to see how Zain Nights (GB) performed today although, with Sheehan’s recommendation, they would consider running the gelding without a hood as she felt that might have dulled his performance.

Sheehan was suspended for 14 days and Wadham was fined £3000 for schooling and conditioning the horse on the racecourse in that Sheehan 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 on Zain Nights (GB) which was having its first run over hurdles today.

Zain Nights (GB) was suspended from running in any race for 40 days.

Following the race, Ciaran Gethings reported that Jour D'evasion (FR), placed fourth, hung right- handed; James Best reported that Eklil (GB), which was pulled up, hung right-handed and the Veterinary Officer reported that the gelding had bled from the nose.