Permission was given for Woodhay Wonder (GB) to wear a red hood to the start; for Pepsi Cat (IRE) to wear a red hood to the start and to be mounted in the chute; for Existent (GB) to be mounted in the chute.

The Starter reported Existent (GB) was the subject of a third criteria failure.

Stuart Williams was informed that the gelding could not run until the day after passing a stalls test.

As it was the second occasion within the previous 12 months that Existent (GB) had been reported, a further report within the same period would mean the gelding would be prevented from having a stalls test for 6 months.

An enquiry was held to establish the circumstances to why when blinds were called, and the start was affected the stalls never opened.

This resulted in WOODHEY WONDER and Pepsi Cat (IRE) lunging forward making contact with the front gates.

The start was affected successfully at the second attempt.

The Starter, jockey Tom Marquand and trainer Tom Ward were interviewed and shown recordings of the incident.

The Starter explained that on first press of the button, the stalls failed to open, but did so on the second attempt once the field had settled.

He added that the stalls had worked effectively all day and had been pre-race tested as per standard procedure.

Having heard the evidence a report was forwarded to the Head Office of the British Horseracing Authority for further consideration.

Following the race, Paul Mulrennan reported that Bond Chairman (GB), unplaced, ran too free.

Rossa Ryan reported that Existent (GB), placed fourth, was denied a clear run from approximately 2 furlongs out.

The Veterinary Officer reported that Spangled Mac (IRE), unplaced, was found to be lame left-hind.