An enquiry was held into the running and riding of High Grounds (IRE), ridden by Ben Poste and trained by Ryan Potter, which was restrained at the start and settled towards the rear of the field prior to being asked for an effort halfway down the back straight on the final circuit, before the gelding then appeared to be considerately handled in the home straight to finish twelfth of thirteen runners, beaten by 49½ lengths.

The rider and the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race; the Veterinary Officer reported that post-race examinations of High Grounds (IRE) failed to reveal any abnormalities.

The rider stated that his instructions were to drop the gelding in, get him settled and find a nice jumping rhythm before riding the race as he found it.

Poste explained that High Grounds (IRE) was keen through the early stages, which affected the gelding's jumping fluency at the first few hurdles.

Poste added that he was content with his early position, however, he stated that High Grounds (IRE) never appeared entirely comfortable on the Soft, Good to Soft in places ground and did not travel as well as he would have expected on this occasion.

He further added that High Grounds (IRE) had failed to respond to his urgings for some distance in the back straight where he was squeezing and nudging the gelding along to improve its position, and a tendency to jump right-handed was not beneficial either.

Poste also stated that High Grounds (IRE) had a very sensitive mouth and reacted negatively by throwing its head in the air whenever any pressure was applied to its mouth, when trying to get High Grounds (IRE) to set himself right and see a stride at some hurdles.

Poste further explained that the gelding had been readily outpaced when the race developed into a sprint after a slow early pace, and he therefore felt it prudent to hold High Grounds (IRE) together over the final few hurdles as the gelding was finishing tired and had no more running to give.

The trainer confirmed the instructions and stated that he was satisfied with the manner in which High Grounds (IRE) had been handled and that the ride accorded with his instructions.

Potter indicated that this was the gelding's second start for the yard and on the first occasion at Uttoxeter, 26 days ago, High Grounds (IRE) had worn a rubber snaffle bit, whereas today only a plain snaffle bit was worn and in his opinion High Grounds (IRE) had resented the change in headgear.

Potter further explained that the gelding had no previous Soft ground form to speak of and agreed that High Grounds (IRE) would appreciate quicker ground conditions in future and may also benefit from a step up in trip.

He also added that High Grounds (IRE) would wear the rubber snaffle bit again on its next run.

Their explanations were noted.

Following the race, Bridget Andrews reported that Midnight Aurora (GB), unplaced, was never travelling.