Takarengo (IRE), unplaced, jumped slowly at the second hurdle causing Arabian King (GB), unplaced, to run into the back of it, which in turn caused Hauraki Gulf (GB), unplaced, to be badly hampered, but after viewing a recording of the incident it was found that no riding offence was involved.

Rounding the bend turning into the home straight on the first circuit a free running Son Of The Somme (IRE), unplaced, became short of room against the rail to the inside of Arabian King (GB), unplaced, in a tightly packed field causing its rider to have to take a check, but after viewing a recording of the incident it was found that no riding offence was involved.

An enquiry was held to consider the placings in this race following two incidents of interference from turning into the home straight involving High Stakes (IRE), placed fourth, ridden by Lilly Pinchin, and Pinnacle Peak (GB), placed fifth, ridden by Harry Atkins.

Being a 7lb claiming conditional, Atkins was accompanied in the enquiry by his employing trainer.

In the first incident, which the Stewards considered did not affect the placings, Pinchin was cautioned for careless riding for allowing her mount to drift right- handed without sufficient correction, causing Pinnacle Peak (GB) to be taken off its intended line.

In the second incident, which the Stewards considered to be accidental and had improved the placing of High Stakes (IRE) as the gelding had jumped sharply right-handed across Pinnacle Peak (GB) at the final flight, causing that horse to lose both ground and momentum, after which it rallied from a length down to be beaten by only a nose at the line.

The Stewards ordered the placings to be revised as follows: First, American Sniper (IRE); second, White Rhino (IRE); third, Paricolor (FR); fourth, Pinnacle Peak (GB); fifth, High Stakes (IRE).

An enquiry was held to consider interference turning into the home straight on the final circuit involving Skytastic (FR), unplaced, ridden by Beau Morgan, Arabian King (GB), unplaced, ridden by Danny Gilligan, Off To A Flyer (IRE), unplaced, ridden by Freddie Gingell, and Doughmore Bay (IRE), unplaced, ridden by Joe Anderson.

Gilligan was suspended for 4 days for careless riding for switching his mount left-handed for a run when insufficiently clear, causing Off To A Flyer (IRE) to be short of room which, in turn, severely crowded Doughmore Bay (IRE) against the rail; and as a further result of this, Skytastic (FR), on the outside, had its hind-quarters turned resulting in it becoming unbalanced.

The winner, American Sniper (IRE), appeared to show improved form compared with its previous run at Cheltenham on 28 October 2023 where the gelding finished tenth of 20, beaten by 40 ¼.

David Pipe's explanation that American Sniper (IRE) may have benefited from the application of a first time tongue- tie was noted.

American Sniper (IRE) was routine tested.

Following the race, Joe Anderson reported that Doughmore Bay (IRE), unplaced, made a bad mistake at the fifth flight, Freddie Gingell reported that Off To A Flyer (IRE), unplaced, was hampered by a faller two flights out, Chris Ward reported that Hauraki Gulf (GB), unplaced, was hampered by a faller two flights out, Lilly Pinchin reported that High Stakes (IRE), which finished fourth but was demoted to fifth, hung right-handed, and Jack Foley reported that Takarengo (IRE), unplaced, was never travelling.

The Veterinary Officer reported that Skradin (IRE), unplaced, finished lame on its left-fore leg.

Gavin Cromwell reported that Fathom Two (IRE), which was pulled up, had scoped dirty post-race.