An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Grouseman (GB), ridden by Kielan Woods and trained by Pam Sly, which was restrained at the start and ridden towards the rear throughout, before appearing to be conservatively ridden from towards the end of the back straight until entering the home straight, whereupon the gelding had then stayed on well to finish fourth of eight runners, beaten 24¾ lengths.

The rider was interviewed and shown recordings of the race; the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities, other than Grouseman (GB) had lost both front shoes.

The rider stated that his instructions were to drop the gelding out and get him to settle, before riding the race as he found it.

He added that Grouseman (GB) had ran very freely to post with him on this occasion and pulled hard during the race, both facts he reported at Scales.

Woods explained that Grouseman (GB) had been badly hampered by the fall of Camacho Man (IRE) at the second hurdle and thereafter had jumped indifferently, possibly due to running freely off a steady pace.

He further added that when the pace quickened down the back straight, the gelding had not been entirely fluent at two of those three hurdles, which made it difficult for him to make ground and improve his position.

Woods also explained that he had taken the inside line and railed through inside runners from leaving the back straight in order to conserve his mount, bearing in mind the exertions expended by running freely throughout.

He indicated that Grouseman (GB) had jumped both hurdles in the home straight much better and this enabled him to ride a strong finish and the gelding had stayed on pleasingly to almost obtain third place from a tired and weakening Lustleigh (GB).

His explanation was noted.

Following the race, Daryl Jacob reported that Fiscal Prudence (IRE), placed seventh, ran too freely.

The Veterinary Officer reported that Duke Of Condicote (GB), which started favourite and finished second, lost its right-fore shoe.