Uttoxeter Results Sat, 30th Mar, 2019

Renwick (IRE), trained by Dan Skelton, had arrived in the Parade Ring without its declared cheekpieces.

After locating a set of cheekpieces, the representative of the trainer was cautioned.

An enquiry was held to consider the placings in this race after interference on the run to the line when the winner, Renwick (IRE), ridden by Harry Skelton interfered with STARJ AC (FR), placed second, ridden by Gavin Sheehan.

The Stewards considered that the interference had not improved Renwick (IRE)’s placing as although Renwick (IRE) had edged left-handed and made light contact with STARJ AC (FR), turning its quarters approximately three strides from the line, it was adjudged that the ground and momentum lost as a result of the interference was less than that of the official margin of a short head; furthermore earlier Renwick (IRE) had been headed by STARJ AC (FR) before rallying strongly to win going away.

The interference was found to be accidental as Skelton had made every attempt to straighten his mount.

Gavin Sheehan, the rider of STARJ AC (FR), placed second, was unseated shortly after the winning line.

The rider and Harry Skelton, the rider of the winner, Renwick (IRE), were interviewed and shown recordings of the incident.

It was found that the incident was accidental and was caused by Renwick (IRE) edging left-handed despite the rider’s effort to correct the gelding, resulting in Sheehan becoming unbalanced and being unseated.

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Cougar Kid, ridden by Miss Brodie Hampson and trained by John O'Shea, which was dropped in at the start and settled towards the rear of the field throughout before making steady ground in the home straight under apparent tender handling to finish seventh beaten 9 lengths.

The rider was interviewed and shown recordings of the race and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.

The rider stated her instructions were to switch Cougar Kid off early and get the gelding travelling with a view to obtaining the best possible placing.

Miss Hampson added that Cougar Kid was suited by the strong pace and had commenced to improve into the race nicely having been switched wide approaching the home turn, however the gelding made a significant jumping error at the third last hurdle which caused her to become badly unbalanced.

Miss Hampson further added that it was then necessary to allow Cougar Kid time to recover from the mistake, and her cause wasn't helped by the gelding constantly leaning left- handed.

Miss Hampson explained that she had asked Cougar Kid for its finishing effort after the second last hurdle, but the gelding is renowned for not finding much off the bridle and was only one-paced thereafter.

The Stewards noted the rider's explanation.

However, they found Miss Hampson in breach of failing to report at Scales that Cougar Kid had made a significant jumping error at the third last hurdle.

Miss Hampson was fined £140.

Following the race, Jamie Hamilton reported that Orkan (GB), which was pulled up, stopped quickly.