An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Quartz Du Rheu (FR), ridden by Jonjo O’Neill Jr and trained by Jonjo O’Neill, which was held up towards the rear of the field, becoming detached down the back straight due to a number of poor jumps, to then get back with the field rounding the home bend, running on up the straight through hands and heels riding to finishing fifth of six, beaten by 12 ¼ lengths.

O’Neill Jr and O’Neill’s representative were interviewed and shown recordings of the race.

The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of Quartz Du Rheu (FR) failed to reveal any abnormalities.

O’Neill Jr stated that his instructions were to give the gelding room and to get it jumping, as Quartz Du Rheu (FR) jumped poorly in its previous run at Uttoxeter, a fact which he reported to scales.

He explained that he was happy with the gelding’s jumping in the early stages, but Quartz Du Rheu (FR) stepped at the ditch down the back straight, before jumping the next 2 fences very big and losing ground in process.

He further explained, that rounding the home turn he managed to regain contact with the field before the gelding run on one paced up the straight.

He added that he felt that Quartz Du Rheu (FR) would be better suited by step up in trip, a fact which he reported to O’Neill post-race.

O’Neill’s representative stated that they were satisfied with the ride and that it accorded with the instructions with given and that they agreed with O’Neill Jr’s advice to step up in trip.

Their explanations were noted.