An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Good Bye (GER), ridden by Danny Burton, and trained by Alan Jones, which was dropped out early and sat in rear for most of the race, before being asked for what appeared to be a minimal effort in the home straight to finish fourth, beaten by 12 ½ lengths.

The rider and the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race.

The Veterinary Officer reported that an initial post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities, but that a second examination of Good Bye (GER) found it to be significantly lame on its right-fore leg.

The rider stated that his instructions were to sit mid division, get a nice lead, and then ride his race from three flights out.

He added that the gelding had made a noise at the first hurdle up the hill, but Good Bye (GER) had not made a noise going downhill.

He further added that as soon as the gelding hit the rising ground he again made a noise, and that he had tried to keep the bit high in the horse’s mouth.

He then stated that he had given the horse a hands and heels ride in the home straight but had kept hold of Good Bye (GER) to keep the bit high in his mouth and hold him together.

He further stated that he had reported at Scale that the gelding had made a respiratory noise.

The trainer stated that he agreed that those were the instructions he had given but stated that after watching the race live, he was disappointed with the ride given by Burton.

He further added that Good Bye (GER) had suffered with veterinary issues requiring treatment, and on reflection, although he wished that Burton had given the gelding a more positive ride, he was pleased that Good Bye (GER) had finished his race.

He further stated that Good Bye (GER) had previously run in a cross noseband, but he had not fitted it on this occasion.

Their explanations were noted.