Permission was given for Six Strings (GB) to go early to post.

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Six Strings (GB), ridden by George Rooke and trained by Michael Appleby, which raced in the rear of the field before being tenderly handled in the closing stages to finish second, beaten by ½ length.

The rider and the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race; and the Veterinary Officer reported a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.

The rider stated that his instructions were to drop in as Six Strings (GB)’ recent front-running tactics had failed to produce a win, to coax him into the race; and, as he tends to back off the whip, to use it sparingly.

He added that having jumped awkwardly, the gelding didn’t face the kickback in the back straight, a fact that he reported at Scales, but he kept nudging the gelding along to maintain contact at the rear of the field.

He further added that he was happy with his position entering the home straight as he was following the eventual winner through but was keeping hold of Six Strings (GB)’ head as he didn’t want to produce the gelding too soon for fear his mount would not going through with its run.

However, when he asked Six Strings (GB) to go between horses shortly before the line, he felt the gelding’s head come back and begin to hang left-handed, possibly away from the winner’s whip.

The trainer confirmed he was satisfied that the ride accorded with his instructions, adding they were most likely to continue with the waiting tactics.

Their explanations were noted.

Rounding the final bend, the winner, Robero (GB), edged slightly left crowding Silverturnstogold (GB), placed third, onto Break The Silence (GB), placed seventh, which became briefly unbalanced, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved and that it had not improved the placings of any horse.

Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of Custard The Dragon (GB) during routine testing revealed the gelding had an irregular heartbeat.