Permission was given for Stone Of Destiny (GB) to wear a hood in the Parade Ring only and for Going Places (GB) to wear a red hood to the start.

Inside the final ½ furlong, Chil Chil (GB), placed second, shifted right-handed onto Going Places (GB), unplaced, at the same time as Concierge (IRE), placed third, edged left-handed, causing the rider of George Bowen (IRE), unplaced, to have to momentarily ease, 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 Chil Chil (GB) or Concierge (IRE).

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Stone Of Destiny (GB), ridden by Silvestre De Sousa and trained by Andrew Balding, which raced keen at the rear of the field throughout and appeared to stay on under apparent considerate handling, to finish ninth of eleven, beaten by 6¼ lengths.

The rider was 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 his instructions were to drop in, get cover and finish in the best possible position as Stone Of Destiny (GB) had not run since 19 September 2020 and has a history of racing keen.

He added that it took approximately half a furlong to get the gelding to settle and relax on the bridle and that his plan was to wait for a clear run when approaching the dip.

He further added that at approximately 2½ furlongs out, rather than take the small gap in between both Stone Circle (IRE) and Dazzling Dan (IRE), he felt the better option would be to wait for sufficient room to enable him to come with a late run but was unable to switch to his left due to the proximity of Dazzling Dan (IRE)’s heels, who was racing just ahead of him.

De Sousa stated that at approximately 1½ furlongs out, when attempting to go for a gap, he was denied a clear run as a result of Stone Circle (IRE) drifting slightly left-handed and thereafter failed to quicken, staying on one-paced to the line passing only two tired horses.

He further indicated that, in his opinion, Stone Of Destiny (GB) would appreciate being dropped back to its optimum trip of 5 furlongs in the future.

His explanations were noted.