Stan Sheppard was questioned regarding his riding of Rock On Harry in the home straight after the gelding had appeared to be considerately handled at stages, before finishing fourth, beaten 9½ lengths.

The rider was interviewed and shown recordings of the race and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post- race examination of Rock On Harry, during routine testing, failed to reveal any abnormalities.

The rider stated that Rock On Harry wears a hood and has a history of being keen, so his instructions were to get the gelding settled and hopefully ensure he was finding the line at the end of the race.

Sheppard indicated that Rock On Harry ran too freely through the first few hurdles and never entirely relaxed throughout, however jumped relatively well until the home straight and he had been able to improve his mid-race position to be racing on the back of the two favourites Soldat Forte, placed second, and the winner Our Scholar rounding the home bend.

Sheppard explained that Rock On Harry had guessed at the third last hurdle and been untidy, causing the gelding to land flat, losing ground and momentum in the process.

He added that Rock On Harry had then been outpaced and failed to respond to his firm hands and heels urgings on the approach to the second last, prompting him to keep a good hold of the horses head in order to see a better stride at the final two hurdles.

However, Rock On Harry had reached for the second last hurdle, before getting in tight to the last hurdle and thereafter failed to finish his race off when held on the run-in.

His explanation was noted.