Newton Abbot Results Mon, 26th Sep, 2022

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Watchoutitscookie (IRE), ridden by Tom Buckley and trained by Nigel Hawke, which appeared to be tenderly ridden and restrained in the rear of the field, before travelling well in the home straight, only making an effort from in between jumping the second last and the last hurdle, to finish seventh of nine runners, beaten 43 ¼ lengths.

The rider and the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race; the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of Watchoutitscookie (IRE) failed to reveal any abnormalities other than the gelding lost its left-fore shoe.

The rider stated his instructions were to drop in, to finish the race and settle the gelding as it had been keen in its previous runs.

He further added that Watchoutitscookie (IRE) began to hang right- handed in the back straight and ran in snatches on the second circuit.

The Trainer confirmed the instructions and that he was satisfied with the ride, agreeing that Watchoutitscookie (IRE) ran in snatches, that the gelding is still green and learning its job.

The Stewards noted that Buckley or Nigel Hawke had made no reports to officials post-race.

Buckley was suspended for 14 days and Nigel Hawke was fined £3,000 for schooling and conditioning the horse on the racecourse in that in that Buckley had failed to be seen to ask for timely, real and substantial effort to obtain the best possible placing.

Watchoutitscookie (IRE) was suspended from running in any race for 40 days.

Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that Mountain Grey (IRE), unplaced, was struck into on its left fore and Just Deegeeteebee (GB), unplaced, lost its right fore shoe.