Monviel (IRE) wore earplugs throughout the preliminaries which were removed upon arrival at the start.

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Joyeux Machin (FR), ridden by Harry Atkins and trained by Dan Skelton, which settled towards the rear before making ground rounding the final bend whereupon it then appeared to be tenderly ridden in the home straight to finish third of seventeen runners, beaten by 3¼ lengths.

The rider and the trainer’s representative were interviewed and shown recordings of the race; and the Veterinary Officer examined the gelding post-race during routine testing and had nothing to report.

Being a 7Ib Claiming Conditional, Atkins was accompanied in the enquiry by the trainer’s representative.

The rider stated that his instructions were to drop Joyeux Machin (FR) out early, switch the gelding off and find a nice rhythm, before mounting his challenge to obtain the best possible placing.

Atkins explained that the gelding jumped well throughout and travelled sweetly for much of the race courtesy of a strong even gallop, although did run a fraction keenly mid-race when in amongst horses.

Atkins added that leaving the back straight, he was denied a clear run between Monviel (IRE) and Hazy Glen (FR), which cost him ground before he tracked wider in order to search for better ground approaching the home bend.

Atkins continued that from approaching the home turn Joyeux Machin (FR) began to hang right handed, which he reported at Scales and for this reason he wanted to keep contact with the horse’s mouth.

However, in his opinion Joyeux Machin (FR) had been unable to quicken despite his hands and heels urgings after jumping the third last hurdle and finding clear running, before the gelding eventually stayed on well through beaten horses after the final hurdle to achieve his best performance for the yard to date.

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The trainer’s representative confirmed the instructions and that the ride had accorded with them, before adding that he was satisfied with the ride given to Joyeux Machin (FR) on this occasion.

Their explanations were noted.