An enquiry was held into the running and riding of MARBLE BAR, ridden by Ross Chapman and trained by lain Jardine, which was restrained in the rear before being ridden hands and heels leaving the back straight, staying on to finish seventh, beaten by 49 lengths. The rider and the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race. The rider stated his instructions were to drop out MARBLE BAR and try to get the gelding to switch off, with this being its first run over hurdles, having been running on the flat. He added that the gelding was too keen in the early stages and had a breathing problem in the back straight, before being hampered by a faller at the second last flight. The trainer stated that he was disappointed with the gelding's performance and had expected his rider to report that MARBLE BAR had a breathing problem when returning to Scales, further adding that his staff had reported that in their opinion, the gelding was showing signs of distress post-race. The Veterinary Officer reported that an initial post-race examination revealed the gelding to be very tired, and a subsequent examination one hour later, revealed a prolonged recovery rate. Their explanations were noted and Chapman was fined A#140 for failing to report at Scales that MARBLE BAR had a breathing problem.

Enquiry held into the running and riding of MARBLE BAR