Permission was given for Velasco (IRE) to wear a hood in the Parade Ring.

Prior to this race, Martin Keighley was asked to explain why he was running Debden Bank (GB) here at Hereford over a distance of 3m 1f, having reported that the gelding did not stay the 3m 1f trip at Cheltenham on 22 October 2021.

Keighley’s explanation that Debden Bank (GB) is better suited by flatter tracks and was therefore happy for the gelding to take its chances at Hereford today was noted.

An enquiry was held to consider 2 incidents of interference shortly after the final fence.

The first incident involved Poniente (GB), placed fourth, ridden by Ned Fox, interfering with Dhowin (IRE), placed third, ridden by Caoilin Quinn.

Being a 7lb claiming conditional, Fox was accompanied in the enquiry by another rider.

Fox was cautioned for careless riding as he allowed his mount to drift left-handed without timely correction carrying Dhowin (IRE) slightly off its intended line.

Following the first incident there appeared to be interference between Dhowin (IRE) and Poniente (GB).

The riders were interviewed and shown recordings of the incident after which it was found that no interference had taken place.

The winner, Powerstown Park (IRE), appeared to show improved form compared with its previous run at Chepstow on 19 November 2021 where the gelding finished fifth of eight, beaten by 30 ¾ lengths.

Sam Thomas’ explanation that the gelding appreciated the step up in trip from 2m to 3m 1f was noted.

Powerstown Park (IRE) was routine tested.

The performance of Global Harmony (IRE), which was pulled up, was considered.

Dan Skelton’s representative’s explanation that the mare was crowded when jumping the first 2 fences and lost its confidence thereafter was noted.

The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of Global Harmony (IRE) failed to reveal any abnormalities.

The performance of Debden Bank (GB), which was pulled up, was considered.

Ben Godfrey reported that the gelding was never travelling, and the Veterinary Officer reported that Debden Bank (GB) had an overreach injury to its right fore as well as having lost its right fore shoe.

Martin Keighley had nothing further to add on the gelding’s performance.

Following the race, Thomas Doggrell reported that Velasco (IRE), placed fifth, hung left-handed, the Stewards noted that Ebony Gale (GB), placed seventh, made a bad mistake at the eleventh fence and the Veterinary Officer reported that Big Difference (IRE), placed sixth, had lost its right hind shoe.