Running and riding enquiry at Down Royal The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Baroque Style (Chris Timmons aboard for Gordon Elliott) who finished fifth in the Hamilton & Kirk Beginners Chase. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. C.D. Timmons, stated that this animal was having his first run over fences and was known to have bled both at home and on the race course. Consequently he was instructed to get his mount to finish if he could and try and avoid the horse bursting a blood vessel in running. In running he found himself further back than intended but his mount got into rhythm, jumped well and got into the race until the downhill run where the pace quickened and his animal only stayed on one paced for squeezing and slapping him down the shoulder. He concluded by stating that his mount had previous good form on soft ground and today's ground was too lively for him. Oliver Murphy, joint owner of Baroque Style and an employee of Gordon Elliott, attended this enquiry but was not allowed to furnish evidence as there was no authorisation registered for him to act in Gordon Elliott's absence. As the Joint owner he confirmed that this horse had burst a blood vessel at Leopardstown last December. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Baroque Style was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the riders evidence, the Stewards referred the matter to the CEO of the Turf Club for further investigation.
