Newbury Results Fri, 30th Nov, 2018

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of WEST TO THE BRIDGE (IRE), ridden by Conor Shoemark, and tained by Dan Skelton, which was keen early but which stayed on from the rear in the home straight, under apparent tender handling, to finish tenth, beaten 20 ½ lengths. The rider and the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race; the Handicapper offered observations and the Veterinary Officer reported that WEST TO THE BRIDGE (IRE) coughed twice when trotted up after the race, and had dirt in its nostrils, consistent with kickback, but otherwise a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities. The rider stated that his instructions were to drop WEST TO THE BRIDGE (IRE) out last as the gelding has been very keen in his races but to obtain the best possible placing. He further stated that he struggled to hold WEST TO THE BRIDGE (IRE) for the first half of the race but in the home straight the gelding was tired as it had been so keen early, and he held on to its head in order to get it home. The trainer confirmed the instructions adding that he was satisfied with the ride the jockey gave the gelding. Their explanations were noted but Shoemark was fined A#140 for failing to report that WEST TO THE BRIDGE (IRE) ran too freely.

Alain Cawley reported that STRONG GLANCE, unplaced, jumped poorly. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding, during routine testing, failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Report following an enquiry into the running and riding of WEST TO THE BRIDGE (IRE)