The apparent improvement in form of the winner, Buachaill (IRE), compared with its previous run at Newcastle on 3 March 2023, where the gelding finished tenth of ten runners beaten by 17 lengths was considered.

Stella Barclay was interviewed.

Her comments that the gelding had settled better for patient riding tactics on this occasion were noted and Buachaill (IRE) was routine tested.

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Good Humor (GB), placed second, ridden by Darragh Keenan and trained by John Butler, which was slowly away and raced in rear throughout before being asked for its effort from approaching 2 furlongs out and finishing second, beaten 1 length.

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

The rider stated his instructions were to take his time and ensure he got Good Humor (GB) settled early on.

Keenan indicated that the pace was strong and Good Humor (GB), if anything relaxed too well, adding ideally he would like to have been positioned a couple of lengths closer to the leaders, however Muscutt on Moon Knight (GB), placed fifth, seemed intent on staying one horse off the rail, which would have left him posted three wide without cover.

From leaving the back straight Keenan explained that the winner, Buachaill (IRE) was on the rail, but that runner had been badly out of form and he could not be certain that tracking it into the race was a high percentage option, whilst Three Dons was under pressure three wide going nowhere, which would have meant committing with a long sustained run at least 4 wide around runners as the pace was quickening, so he remained following Moon Knight (GB).

Keenan added that he had obtained a clear passage when squeezing through a gap between Moon Knight (GB) and Three Dons, unplaced, approaching the home turn before mounting his challenge, where he still felt confident that Good Humor (GB) would run down the leaders and the gelding made strong headway until its effort flattened out inside the final half furlong.

Keenan’s explanations were noted.