Jumping the third last hurdle, Asockastar (IRE), placed second, jumped right-handed and landed awkwardly causing interference to Umndeni (FR), placed third, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved and that it had not improved the placing of Asockastar (IRE).

Kielan Woods, the rider of the winner, Rakhine State (IRE), was suspended for 4 days for using his whip above the permitted level from after jumping the second last hurdle.

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Thebannerkingrebel (IRE), ridden by Gavin Sheehan, and trained by Jamie Snowdon, which raced in rear throughout and stayed on under apparent tender handling in the home straight to finish seventh of eight, beaten by 10¼ lengths.

The rider and the trainer’s representative were interviewed and shown recordings of the race and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.

The rider stated that his instructions were to ride Thebannerkingrebel (IRE) patiently and get the gelding to switch off.

He explained that it was his intention to keep Thebannerkingrebel (IRE) on the bridle for as long as possible as he only has one run once asked.

After making a mistake at the first hurdle becoming detached, the gelding never travelled and made a noise thereafter; all facts he reported at scales.

He continued that the strong early gallop made it difficult to make up ground so therefore attempted to kid Thebannerkingrebel (IRE) along for the duration of the back straight to keep him interested, believing the field may have come back to him.

On this occasion however, the rider reported that the gelding continued to make a noise up the home straight, making little ground up on the field and on pulling up, Thebannerkingrebel (IRE) was very tired.

The trainer’s representative confirmed the instructions and stated that she was satisfied that the ride accorded with those instructions.

Sheehan concluded that he had advised the trainer that the Thebannerkingrebel (IRE) may be suited by a combination of dropping back in trip to 2 miles enabling him to be ridden more positively and perhaps by the application of cheekpieces.

Their explanations were noted.

The performance of Oscar Rose (IRE), which started second-favourite and finished eighth, beaten by 37¼ lengths, was considered.

It was noted that Fergal O’Brien could offer no explanation for the mare’s performance on this occasion and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of Oscar Rose (IRE) failed to reveal any abnormalities.

The winner, Rakhine State (IRE), appeared to show improved form compared with its previous run at Uttoxeter on 16 June 2021 where the gelding finished sixth of eight, beaten by 16 lengths.

It was noted that D J Jeffreys could offer no explanation for Rakhine State (IRE)’s improved form other than the gelding may have needed the previous run after a 215 day break.

Rakhine State (IRE) was routine tested.

Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that Cotton End (IRE), placed sixth, was treated for post-race ataxia and the mare lost its right-hind shoe.