An enquiry was held following a report from an Equine Welfare and Integrity Officer that IF KARL’S BERG DID and Wetanwindy (GB), both trained by Milton Harris, had been presented to be scanned out of the racecourse stables wearing the incorrect saddles and number cloths.

The Equine Welfare and Integrity Officer and Harris were interviewed.

Harris explained that Wetanwindy (GB) had been very difficult to saddle and in the commotion of trying to get the gelding saddled and also trying to fit the tongue tie, the incorrect saddle had inadvertently been put on Wetanwindy (GB) and, therefore, the other saddle had been put on IF KARL’S BERG DID.

Taking into account that re-saddling both horses did not cause a delay to the race, and also that both riders had weighed in within the acceptable parameters, Harris’ explanation was noted.

Milton Harris, the trainer of Wetanwindy (GB), reported that he had been unable to fit the tongue strap so the gelding ran without it, but that it had not affected the performance of Wetanwindy (GB), which finished last of the 14 runners.

Entering the bend on the first circuit the winner, I Hope Star (IRE), which was running keenly, shifted left-handed causing it to make contact with and bounce off Duisburg (FR), unplaced, causing I Hope Star (IRE) to be shifted back right-handed and make contact with Surf Walk (IRE), placed second, on his outside.

After viewing a recording of the incident it was found that no riding offence was involved and it had not improved the placing of I Hope Star (IRE).

Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that Blimey Charlie (GB), unplaced, had lost its left-hind shoe.

Jack Tudor reported that Osprey Call (IRE), unplaced, hung left-handed in the straight.