Stewards Reports for The Festival

• Cheltenham, 12 Mar 19
  
  
  
  Fixture Note
  The horses in all races, except for Race 4, for which there was a parade, went directly to post to save the ground.
  
  Race 1 - 1:30pm
  <small>THE SKY BET SUPREME NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1)</small>
  Permission was given for FELIX DESJY (FR) to wear a hood in the parade ring. KLASSICAL DREAM (FR) wore earplugs which were removed at the start and AL DANCER (FR), ARAMON (GER), FELIX DESJY (FR) and FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES (FR) wore earplugs throughout the race.
  
  Having reviewed recordings of the false start, the Starters were satisfied that no riders should be reported for contravening the starting procedures.
  
  After jumping the final hurdle, FELIX DESJY (FR), placed fifth, landed awkwardly and lugged left making contact with ARAMON (GER), placed sixth, 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 FELIX DESJY (FR).
  
  The performance of AL DANCER (FR), which started favourite and finished unplaced, was considered. Nigel Twiston-Davies could offer no explanation other than the gelding failed to see the race out on this step up in class. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of AL DANCER (FR) during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.
  
  Following the race, Neil King reported that BRANDON CASTLE, which was pulled up, was unsuited by the going, which was officially described as Soft on this occasion, and would prefer a quicker surface. The Veterinary Officer reported that ITCHY FEET (FR), placed third, bled from the nose and that THOMAS DARBY (IRE), placed
  second, was lame on its right fore.
  
  
  
  Race 2 - 2:10pm
  <small>THE RACING POST ARKLE CHALLENGE TROPHY NOVICES' STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1)</small>
  
  Having reviewed recordings of the false start, the Starters were satisfied that no riders should be reported for contravening the starting procedures.
  
  A Veterinary Officer reported that Davy Russell had disobeyed instructions given to him by a Veterinary Surgeon and acted in an improper way towards a Racecourse employee in the pull-up area after the race whilst runners were still being assessed by the Veterinary team. Russell was suspended for 2 days.
  
  Following the race, Davy Russell reported that HARDLINE (IRE), placed seventh, was never travelling and Richard Johnson reported that LALOR (GER), which was pulled up, was never travelling and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.
  
  
  
  Race 3 - 2:50pm
  <small>THE ULTIMA HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 3)</small>
  
  Permission was given for GIVE ME A COPPER (IRE) to go early to post.
  
  Having reviewed recordings of the false start, the Starters were satisfied that no riders should be reported for contravening the starting procedures.
  
  The performance of MISTER WHITAKER (IRE), which started joint favourite and was pulled up, was considered. The representative of Mick Channon explained that the gelding was never travelling and jumped poorly. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination revealed the gelding had lost its left fore shoe.
  
  Following the race, Richie McLernon reported that MINELLO ROCCO (IRE), which was pulled up, was never travelling and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities. Jack Kennedy reported that he pulled up GENERAL PRINCIPLE (IRE) after the final fence due to being hampered by the faller. The Veterinary Officer reported that ACTIVIAL (FR), placed sixth, lost its right hind shoe; CALIPTO (FR), which was pulled up, lost its right hind shoe; WILLIE BOY (IRE), which was pulled up, lost its left hind shoe; OLDGRANGEWOOD, unplaced, lost its right hind shoe and FLYING ANGEL (IRE), placed fifth, sustained a wound to its right fore.
  
  
  Race 4 - 3:30pm
  <small>THE UNIBET CHAMPION HURDLE CHALLENGE TROPHY (CLASS 1) (Grade 1)</small>
  
  BUVEUR D’AIR (FR) wore earplugs. BRAIN POWER (IRE) and LAURINA (FR) both wore earplugs which were removed at the start.
  
  The performance of APPLE’S JADE (FR), which started favourite and finished sixth of seven finishers, was considered. Gordon Elliott could offer no explanation for the mare’s performance. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of APPLE’S JADE (FR) during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.
  
  
  Race 5 - 4:10pm
  <small>THE OLBG MARES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Registered as The David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle Race) (Grade 1) (NHMOPS Bonus Race)</small>
  
  BENIE DES DIEUX (FR) and ELIMAY (FR) wore earplugs.
  
  Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that LIMINI (IRE), which was pulled up, bled from the nose, LACKANEEN LEADER (IRE), which was also pulled up, was lame on its left fore and that STORMY IRELAND (FR), placed second, had post-race ataxia.
  
  
  Race 6 - 4:50pm
  <small>THE CLOSE BROTHERS NOVICES' HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Listed Race)</small>
  
  Permission was given for SPRINGTOWN LAKE (IRE) to wear a hood in the Parade Ring only. SOLOMN GRUNDY (IRE) wore earplugs and RIDERS ON THE STORM (IRE) wore earplugs which were removed at the start.
  
  Having reviewed recordings of the false start, the Starters were satisfied that no riders should be reported for contravening the starting procedures.
  
  After the third last fence, MOVEWITHTHETIMES (IRE), placed eighth, hung left crowding TOWER BRIDGE (IRE), placed second, onto CUBOMANIA (IRE), which was pulled up, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
  
  Following the race, P. Townend reported that SOLOMN GRUNDY (IRE), which was pulled up, was never travelling. Joshua Moore reported that DELL ORO (FR), unplaced, made jumping mistakes and the Veterinary Officer reported that the gelding lost its right fore shoe. The Veterinary Officer also reported that WALT (IRE), which was pulled up, lost its right hind shoe.
  
  Race 7 - 5.30PM
  
  Nothing to report at present
  
  
  
  

<small>THE NATIONAL HUNT CHALLENGE CUP AMATEUR RIDERS' NOVICES' STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 2)</small>BALLYWARD (IRE) wore earplugs. Permission was given for MULCAHYS HILL (IRE) to be mounted in the chute.

It was noted that CLONDAW CIAN (IRE), placed fourth, lost a cheekpiece on the first circuit.

Mr Robert James, the rider of JUST YOUR TYPE (IRE), which fell, was suspended for 7 days for using his whip when his horse was showing no response from approaching the home bend.

An enquiry was held to consider whether Mr N. McParlan, the rider of MULCAHYS HILL (IRE), which fell at the second last fence, had continued in the race when it appeared to be contrary to the horse’s welfare. The rider and the Veterinary Officer were interviewed and recordings of the incident were viewed. The Veterinary Officer stated that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities. McParlan was suspended for 8 days.

An enquiry was held to consider whether Mr Robert James, the rider of JUST YOUR TYPE (IRE), which fell at the final fence, had continued in the race when it appeared to be contrary to the horse’s welfare. The rider and the Veterinary Officer were interviewed and recordings of the incident were viewed. The Veterinary Officer stated that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities. James was suspended for 12 days.

An enquiry was held to consider whether Mr D. G. Lavery, the rider of JERRYSBACK (IRE), which finished third, beaten 47½ lengths, had continued in the race when it appeared to be contrary to the horse’s welfare after tired jumping errors at the final two fences. The rider was interviewed and recordings of the incident were viewed. Lavery was suspended for 10 days.

The Stewards wished to hold an enquiry into whether Mr Damien Skehan, the rider of CLONDAW CIAN (IRE), which finished fourth, beaten 48½ lengths, had continued in the race when it appeared contrary to his horse’s welfare, but were unable to do so as Skehan had left the course. They adjourned their enquiry to a date to be confirmed.

Following the race, Mr Derek O’Connor reported that OK CORRAL (IRE), which was pulled up, was hampered on several occasions by fallers.

Jerrysback one to take from the race I thought. Twice hampered badly during the race and still managed to get third. Needs to be dropped back to 3 miles maybe 3 and a half at most but to run like he did considering he was knackered and heavily bumped into twice.

I was very surprised he didn't run in the Ultima.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bonjers

I was very surprised he didn't run in the Ultima.

---

Definitely would have run well in it.

Lots of shoes lost again this year!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jinnyj

Lots of shoes lost again this year!

---

Yes, quite Jinny, but the pair you chose were both smart and appropriate I though.

You mean my Jack Sparrow thigh boots!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jinnyj

You mean my Jack Sparrow thigh boots!!

---

Stop!!! I can't take it!!! :ninja:

Cheltenham, 13 Mar 19



Fixture Note

The horses in all races, except for Race 4, for which there is a Parade, will go directly to post to preserve the ground.

Race 1 - 1:30pm

<small>THE BALLYMORE NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1)(Grade 1) (Registered as The BARING BINGHAM)
</small>
CASTLEBAWN WEST and EASY GAME (FR) wore earplugs and BRIGHT FORECAST (IRE) wore earplugs, which were removed at the start.

An enquiry was held to consider interference turning down the hill when SAMS PROFILE, placed fifth, ridden by B.J. Cooper, manoeuvred right-handed tightening up CHAMP, placed second, ridden by Barry Geraghty and the winner, CITY ISLAND (IRE), ridden by Mark Walsh. Cooper was suspended for 2 days for careless riding as he had manoeuvred right when not sufficiently clear.

A further enquiry was held to consider interference after jumping the third last flight between SAMS PROFILE, placed fifth, ridden by B.J. Cooper and the winner, CITY ISLAND (IRE) , ridden by Mark Walsh. The interference was found to be accidental as Walsh had gone for a legitimate gap but his horse made contact with the hindquarters of SAMS PROFILE as it rolled in slightly left-handed.

Following the race Jack Kennedy reported that BATTLEOVERDOYEN, which was pulled up, was never travelling. The Veterinary Officer further reported that the gelding lost its left fore shoe. Paul Townend reported that CASTLEBAWN WEST, which was pulled up, was never travelling.



Race 2 - 2:10pm

<small>THE RSA INSURANCE NOVICES' STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1)
</small>
MORTAL (IRE) wore earplugs and SANTINI wore earplugs, which were removed at the start.

The sponsorship in relation to DROVERS LANE (IRE), trained by Rebecca Curtis, did not comply with the Sponsorship Code of Conduct. Curtis was warned as to her responsibility to ensure that the correct sponsorship is carried.

On landing after the final fence the winner, TOPOFTHEGAME (IRE), edged right-handed making slight contact with DELTA WORK (FR), placed third, which had to take a slight check, 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 TOPOFTHEGAME (IRE).

Harry Cobden, the rider of the winner, TOPOFTHEGAME (IRE), was suspended for 2 days for using his whip in an incorrect place after the last fence.

Following the race the Veterinary Officer reported that MORTAL (IRE), placed fifth, lost its right fore shoe and SANTINI, placed second, lost its left fore shoe. He further reported that THE WORLDS END (IRE), which was pulled up, was lame left fore.



Race 3 - 2:50pm

<small>THE CORAL CUP HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 3)
</small>
WICKLOW BRAVE and URADEL (GER) wore earplugs and BALLYANDY wore earplugs, which were removed at the start.

Following the race the Veterinary Officer reported that DIAMOND CAUCHOIS, which was pulled up, was lame left hind, KILLULTAGH VIC (IRE), unplaced, had a wound on its left fore leg and BALLYANDY, placed third, lost its right hind shoe. Davy Russell reported that FARCLAS (FR), which was pulled up, was never travelling.


Race 4 - 3:30pm

<small>THE BETWAY QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1)
</small>
MIN (FR) wore earplugs and ALTIOR (IRE) wore earplugs which were removed at the start.

The Stewards noted that the Clerk of the Course had given permission for POLITOLOGUE (FR) to parade out of order. As the gelding was proving unruly he further allowed him to break the parade and canter to the start.

After reviewing the start the Stewards were satisfied that when the flag dropped the horses were well grouped but that SAINT CALVADOS (FR) and ALTIOR (IRE) jumped away quickly from the start.

Following the race Paddy Brennan reported that GOD’S OWN (IRE), which was pulled up, lost its action. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of GOD'S OWN (IRE) found it to be lame left hind.


Race 5 - 4:10pm

<small>THE GLENFARCLAS STEEPLE CHASE (A CROSS COUNTRY STEEPLE CHASE) (CLASS 2)
</small>
Following the race Enda Bolger reported that AUVERGNAT (FR), which was pulled up, was unsuited by the Soft, Heavy in places,ground. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of AUVERGNAT (FR) revealed it had a wound on its left fore leg. The Veterinary Officer further reported that JAROB, placed fifth,, lost its left fore shoe.

Race 6 - 4:50pm

<small>THE BOODLES JUVENILE HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Registered as the FRED WINTER) (Grade 3)</small>

NATURELLE (FR) wore earplugs and KING D'ARGENT (FR) wore earplugs which were removed at the start.

An enquiry was held to consider interference on straightening up after turning into the home straight when Jack Kennedy allowed COKO BEACH, placed second, to drift right-handed, taking the winner BAND OF OUTLAWS (IRE), ridden by J.J. Slevin, off its intended line. Kennedy was cautioned for careless riding as he had allowed his horse to drift right when not sufficiently clear.

The performance of LETHAL STEPS, which finished nineteenth, beaten 51 ¼ lengths, was considered. Gordon Elliott could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of LETHAL STEPS, during routine testing, failed to reveal any abnormalities.

Following the race Barry Geraghty reported that FINE BRUNELLO (FR), unplaced, was never travelling. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of FINE BRUNELLO (FR), during routine testing, failed to reveal any abnormalities.


Race 7 - 5:30pm

<small>The WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER (A Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race) (Class 1) (Grade 1)
</small>
BLUE SARI (FR) wore earplugs.

Donnacha O’Brien, the rider of METICULOUS (IRE), placed eighth, was fined £140 for failing to report at scales that he was concerned with the gelding’s breathing and felt it prudent to ease the gelding in the closing stages.

The Veterinary Officer reported that BLUE SARI (FR), placed second, was lame left fore.

Cheltenham, 14 Mar 19



Fixture Note
The horses in all races, except Race 3 for which there was a parade, went directly to post in order to save the racing surface.

An enquiry was held adjourned from Race 7 at Cheltenham on 12 March 2019 to consider whether Mr Damien Skehan, the rider of CLONDAW CIAN, placed fourth, beaten 48½ lengths had continued in the race when it may have been contrary to the horse’s welfare. The rider was interviewed, in the presence of the trainer’s representative, who confirmed that the instructions had been to take his time, ensuring the gelding settled and found a nice jumping rhythm before creeping into the race with a view to obtaining the best possible placing. Having considered their evidence, they accepted the rider’s explanation that he was happy with his position going out on the final circuit, however his mount had been severely hampered by fallers at the seventeenth fence, which resulted in him losing a significant amount of ground and momentum. Thereafter he had ridden the horse patiently and allowed it sufficient time to recover from the interference and despite being partially detached from the main division, he always considered that CLONDAW CIAN had been travelling satisfactorily in what was a very strongly run race. He added that the gelding had continued to make ground despite being inconvenienced by fallers at both the second last and last fences, a fact which he considered was exacerbated by the fact his mount had lost a cheekpiece earlier in the race which affected its concentration. He further added that CLONDAW CIAN had jumped well throughout and in his opinion the gelding’s welfare was not compromised by continuing in the race.

Race 1 - 1:30pm

<small>THE JLT NOVICES' STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1)(Grade 1) (Registered as THE GOLDEN MILLER)

</small>

Permission was given for DEFI DU SEUIL (FR) to wear a hood in the parade ring only. MENGLI KHAN (IRE) and REAL STEEL (FR) wore earplugs. CASTAFIORE (USA) wore earplugs in the parade ring only.

Following the race the Veterinary Officer reported that PRAVALAGUNA (FR), unplaced, had a wound on its right fore heel but was sound.


Race 2 - 2:10pm
<small>THE PERTEMPS NETWORK FINAL HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 3)

</small>

TOBEFAIR wore earplugs which were removed at the start.

Barry Geraghty the rider of the winner, SIRE DU BERLAIS (FR) was suspended for 2 days for using his whip in an incorrect place on the run in.

Mark Walsh, the rider of NOT MANY LEFT (IRE), placed third, was suspended for 2 days for using his whip in an incorrect place on the run in.

At the bend at the top of the hill WAIT FOR ME (FR), which later unseated its rider, edged slightly left-handed in a tightly packed field causing the winner, SIRE DU BERLAIS (FR) and COOLE CODY (IRE), unplaced, to be tightened for room on the rail, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.

Following the race Harry Skelton reported that NOTWHATIAM (IRE), which was pulled up, stopped quickly. The gelding was routine tested. The Veterinary Officer reported that WALK TO FREEDOM (IRE), which was pulled up, lost its right fore shoe, COOLE CODY (IRE), unplaced, lost its right hind shoe and FLEMCARA (IRE), unplaced, lost its left hind shoe.


Race 3 - 2:50pm

<small>THE RYANAIR STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Registered as The Festival Trophy) (Grade 1)

</small>

UN DE SCEAUX (FR) wore earplugs. MONALEE (IRE) and SUB LIEUTENANT (IRE) wore earplugs which were removed at the start. Permission was given for SUB LIEUTENANT (IRE) to go out first and lead the parade.

The Stewards noted that the Clerk of the Course had given permission for SUB LIEUTENANT (IRE) to parade out of order. As the gelding was proving unruly he further allowed him to break the parade and canter to the start.

Following the race the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of FOOTPAD (FR), placed eighth, during routine testing, found the gelding to have bled from the nose. He further reported that ROAD TO RESPECT (IRE), placed third, lost its right hind shoe and CHARBEL (IRE), which was pulled up, had a wound on its right fore heel.


Race 4 - 3:30pm

<small>THE SUN RACING STAYERS' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1)

</small>

BACARDYS (FR), BAPAUME (FR), FAUGHEEN (IRE) and PETIT MOUCHOIR (FR) wore earplugs. Permission was given for PETIT MOUCHOIR (FR) to go early to post.

Following the race Noel Fehily reported that BLACK OP (IRE), unplaced, stopped quickly. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of BLACK OP (IRE) failed to reveal any abnormalities. Harry Cobden reported that KILBRICKEN STORM, unplaced, hung left-handed off the bend and stopped quickly. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of KILBRICKEN STORM failed to reveal any abnormalities. Jessica Harrington reported that SUPASUNDAE, placed seventh, did not get the trip on the Good to Soft, Soft in places, ground.

Race 5 - 4:10pm

<small>THE BROWN ADVISORY & MERRIEBELLE STABLE PLATE HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 3)

</small>

Permission was given for DOITFORTHEVILLAGE (IRE) to wear a hood in the parade ring only and AZZERTI (FR) to be mounted in the chute and go early to post.

Following the race the Veterinary Officer reported that KALONDRA (IRE), which was pulled up, was lame left hind and Nicky Henderson reported that RIVER WYLDE (IRE), which was pulled up, was unsuited by the Good to Soft, Soft in places ground and would prefer a faster surface.


Race 6 - 4:50pm

<small>THE NATIONAL HUNT BREEDERS SUPPORTED BY TATTERSALLS MARES' NOVICES HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 2)(Registered as THE DAWN RUN) (NHMOPS Bonus Race)

</small>

ALLEZ DANCE (FR), BUILDMEUPBUTTERCUP, CONCERTISTA (FR) and EGLANTINE DU SEUIL wore earplugs.

An enquiry was held to consider interference approaching the final flight where Daniel Mullins, the rider of CONCERTISTA (FR), placed second, manoeuvred left-handed interfering with TINTANGLE (IRE), placed third, ridden by Jack Kennedy, which had to be checked, and who in turn interfered with BLACK TEARS, placed fourth, ridden by Davy Russell. Mullins was suspended for 4 days for careless riding as he had manoeuvred left when not sufficiently clear.

On the bend going out on the final circuit the freely running ELUSIVE BELLE (IRE), unplaced, edged left-handed in a tightly packed field crowding AWAYINTHEWEST (IRE), unplaced, on to BUILDMEUPBUTTERCUP, unplaced, which was severely checked, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.

Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that DIAMOND GAIT, unplaced, sustained a wound to its right hind and lost its right hind shoe. Rachael Blackmore reported that SINORIA (IRE), unplaced, stopped quickly. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination, during routine testing, failed to reveal any abnormalities other than the mare was in season.


Race 7 - 5:30pm

<small>THE FULKE WALWYN KIM MUIR CHALLENGE CUP AMATEUR RIDERS' HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2)

</small>

LIVELOVELAUGH (IRE) and CRIEVEHILL (IRE) wore earplugs. TREACKLE TART wore earplugs in the parade ring only. Permission was given for SQUOUATEUR (FR) to wear a hood in the parade ring only.

SQUOUATEUR (FR) was kicked by another runner at the start. The gelding was examined by a Veterinary Surgeon at the start and was deemed fit to run.

Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that LIVELOVELAUGH (IRE), unplaced, lost its left fore shoe, UHLAN BUTE (FR), unplaced, lost its left fore shoe and ITS ALL GUESSWORK (IRE), unplaced, finished lame on its left fore. The Veterinary Officer further reported that DRUMCONNOR LAD (IRE), which fell at the last fence, was stiff.

How does bleeding from the nose effect a run?

Footpad was absolutely tanking and went 2.02 in running.He stopped like someone shot him from the stands.

JJ Slevin in the Ryanair was very quick to go to the whip at the start of the Ryanair.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Double J

How does bleeding from the nose effect a run?

---

If a horse shows blood from the nose then invariably it's coming from the lungs. And if the horses lung is filling with blood, then it's pretty unpleasant and they reckon it feels like they are drowning hence they stop quickly. Horses don't always have to show blood from nose, often it's picked up following a poor run and the trainer will ask for the horse to be scoped. Usually the horse will cough a lot as he's trying to get rid of the blood. I would always scope if a horse stopped quickly or coughed during the cool down period.

Further to yesterday

Attachment 2024

Cheltenham, 15 Mar 19


Fixture Note



The horses in all races, except Race 4 for which there is a Parade, will go directly to post to preserve the ground.

An enquiry was held, adjourned from Cheltenham on Thursday 14 March 2019, into the use of the whip by Noel Fehily, the rider of the winner, EGLANTINE DU SEUIL in Race 6. After being interviewed and shown recordings of the race, Fehily was suspended for 4 days for using his whip in the incorrect place on the run to the line.

Race 1 - 1:30pm

<small>THE JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1)(Grade 1)

</small>

PIC D'ORHY (FR) wore earplugs which were removed at the start and TIGER TAP TAP (GER) wore earplugs throughout the race.

The circumstances surrounding SIR EREC (IRE) sustaining an injury shortly after jumping the fourth hurdle were considered by the Stewards. The BHA Head of Equine Health and Welfare was interviewed and reports taken from the trainer, Joseph O’Brien and Dr John Halley, the trainer’s Veterinary Surgeon. The BHA Head of Equine Health and Welfare reported that SIR EREC (IRE) had passed a pre-race Veterinary Inspection earlier in the day. On arrival at the start, the colt had spread its right fore plate and was reshod, after which the BHA Veterinary Officer was satisfied with SIR EREC (IRE)’s suitability to race. The trainer reported that full radiograph images were taken of the colt in the days leading up to the race, which is the usual precautionary custom of the yard with respect to all runners. Mr O’Brien’s Veterinary Surgeon further reported that there had been no radiographic evidence that would indicate anything that may lead to SIR EREC (IRE) sustaining an injury. Their evidence was noted.

ADJALI (GER), placed seventh, became unbalanced rounding the home turn, shifting right-handed and carrying the winner, PENTLAND HILLS (IRE) onto GARDENS OF BABYLON (IRE), placed third, and FRENCH MADE (FR), placed eighth, which were both badly crowded for racing room, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.

Following the race, Gordon Elliott reported that AUTHORIZO (FR), which was pulled up before the sixth hurdle, had a breathing problem.


Race 2 - 2:10pm

<small>THE RANDOX HEALTH COUNTY HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 3)

</small>

Permission was given for MONSIEUR LECOQ (FR) to go early to post and be mounted in the chute; WHISKEY SOUR (IRE) wore earplugs throughout the race.

MONSIEUR LECOQ (FR), ridden by Lizzie Kelly, unseated its rider on the way to post but the gelding was caught quickly. Having been examined by the doctor and Veterinary Surgeon at the start, both the rider and gelding were deemed fit to race.

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of MR ADJUDICATOR, ridden by P. Townend, which was held up in the early stages before staying on from after the second last hurdle, to finish eighth, beaten by 9¾ lengths. The rider was interviewed and shown recordings of the race. The rider stated that his instructions had been to drop MR ADJUDICATOR out, as is customary, and come off a strong pace, but the gelding had not jumped well early on and he had to take a wide path from the third last. He added that when asked for an effort after the second last, MR ADJUDICATOR found little in response and had to avoid a fallen rider at the final flight, which further inconvenienced the gelding. His explanation was noted.

The performance of CROOKS PEAK, which finished twentieth of the 22 finishers, beaten by 38¾ lengths, was considered. Philip Hobbs' explanation that the gelding was unsuited by the Good to Soft ground, which in his opinion was riding softer than described, was noted.

The performance of PINGSHOU (IRE), which finished last of the 22 finishers, beaten by 58¼ lengths, was considered. Colin Tizzard’s representative could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance.

Following the race, Davy Russell reported that MITCHOUKA (FR), which was pulled up, stopped quickly; the Veterinary Officer reported that the gelding lost its left fore shoe. Sam Twiston-Davies reported that LEONCAVALLO (IRE), unplaced, ran too freely.


Race 3 - 2:50pm

<small>THE ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1)(Grade 1) (Registered as THE SPA NOVICES' HURDLE RACE)

</small>

ALLAHO (FR), DORRELLS PIERJI (FR) and SALSARETTA (FR) wore earplugs throughout the race.

The sponsorship in relation to LISNAGAR OSCAR (IRE), trained by Rebecca Curtis, did not comply with the Sponsorship Code of Conduct. Rebecca Curtis was warned as to her responsibility to ensure that the correct sponsorship is carried.

Following the race, Barry Geraghty reported that BIRCHDALE (IRE), which was pulled up, stopped quickly; the gelding was routine tested. Davy Russell reported that DINONS (FR), which was pulled up, was never travelling; the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities. Mark Walsh reported that he felt RHINESTONE (IRE) had lost its action so he pulled the gelding up as a precaution; the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination revealed RHINESTONE (IRE) had lost its left fore shoe. The Veterinary Officer further reported that AYE AYE CHARLIE, placed eighth, lost its right fore shoe, DARLAC (FR), which was pulled up, lost both hind shoes and SALSARETTA (FR), placed seventh, had post-race ataxia.


Race 4 - 3:30pm

<small>THE MAGNERS CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1)

</small>

AL BOUM PHOTO (FR), BRISTOL DE MAI (FR) and KEMBOY (FR) wore earplugs throughout the race.

MIGHT BITE (IRE) was pulled up quickly after the second last fence as the rider felt something was amiss with the gelding, thereby interfering with YALA ENKI (FR), placed seventh, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.

Following the race, Ruby Walsh reported that he pulled BELLSHILL (IRE) up after making a bad mistake. Nico De Boinville reported that MIGHT BITE (IRE), which was pulled up, stopped quickly; the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities. Davy Russell reported that PRESENTING PERCY, which started favourite and finished eighth, was never travelling following an early mistake and his saddle slipped mid-race; the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination, during routine testing, revealed the gelding had finished lame on its right hind. The Veterinary Officer further reported that ELEGANT ESCAPE (IRE), placed sixth, lost its left fore shoe and SHATTERED LOVE (IRE), unplaced, had post-race ataxia.


Race 5 - 4:10pm

<small>THE ST. JAMES'S PLACE FOXHUNTER CHALLENGE CUP OPEN HUNTERS' STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2)

</small>

Following the race, Miss Gina Andrews reported that HAYMOUNT (IRE), which was pulled up, was never travelling.


Race 6 - 4:50pm

<small>THE JOHNNY HENDERSON GRAND ANNUAL CHALLENGE CUP HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 3)

</small>

Permission was given for GINO TRAIL (IRE) to go early to post and be mounted in the chute and MARRACUDJA (FR) to be mounted in the chute. MARRACUDJA (FR) wore earplugs throughout the race.

Kielan Woods, the rider of the winner, CROCO BAY (IRE), was suspended for 2 days for using his whip above the permitted level from the penultimate fence.

Following the race, James Best reported that MR MEDIC made a bad mistake, after which he pulled the gelding up; the Veterinary Officer reported that the gelding lost its left fore shoe. Gavin Sheehan reported that ALL SET TO GO (IRE) made a bad mistake, after which he pulled the gelding up.


Race 7 - 5:30pm

<small>THE MARTIN PIPE CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 2)

</small>

GETAREASON (IRE) wore earplugs throughout the race.

Having reviewed the start, the Stewards were satisfied that MOUNT MEWS (IRE) had refused to race and was deemed to be a runner.

Having reviewed recordings of the false start, the Starters were satisfied that no riders should be reported for contravening the starting procedures.

The Starter reported that Ricky Doyle, the rider of ACAPELLA BOURGEOIS (FR), had deliberately faced his horse backwards. The rider and the Starter were interviewed and recordings of the incident were shown. Doyle was suspended for 2 days, on dates to be notified to him, for misconduct at the Start, which prevented the start of the race.

Following the race Sean Houlihan reported that GARD DE JUILLEY (FR), unplaced, was never travelling and Thomas Dowson reported that SAKHEE’S CITY (FR), unplaced, was inconvenienced by the false start. The Veterinary Officer reported that DISCORDANTLY (IRE), unplaced, lost its right hind shoe.