An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Wor Verge (GB), ridden by James Corbett and trained by Susan Corbett, which was held up at the rear of the field and considerately handled throughout, before being asked for its effort in the home straight to finish ninth, beaten by 18 ½ lengths.

The rider and the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race; the Handicapper offered observations and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.

The rider stated his instructions were to jump off and sit midfield but the gelding was outpaced from the start due to the fast early pace.

He added that turning out of the back straight, he felt the gelding was travelling well, but had to switch wide around weakening runners, with the intention of making his challenge up the stands rail.

He further added that he was forced back to the inside due to by-passing the second last hurdle and the gelding stayed on to finish passed beaten horses.

The trainer stated that the ride accorded with her instructions, and having now got the gelding to settle, she feels that it might be better over a further trip.

She added that she was satisfied with the ride given.

Their explanations were noted.

Jumping the first hurdle, Cyrano Star (FR), unplaced, jumped left tightening Farlam King (GB), placed fourth, onto the quarters of Turnbury (GB), unplaced, which caused that runner to bump Bit Of A Quirke (GB), placed eighth, and subsequently hampered Hartside (GER), unplaced, 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 any runner.

Following the race, Jason Dixon reported that Dr Oakley (IRE) hung badly left in the home straight and he was unable to steer the horse into the wings of the last hurdle and therefore had to pull the gelding up.