An enquiry was held to consider interference approaching the final hurdle when the winner, I’D BETTER GO NOW (IRE), ridden by Harry Skelton, interfered with The Ogle Gogle Man (IRE), placed fourth, ridden by Conor O’Farrell, which in turn interfered with Manetti (IRE), placed second, ridden by Grant Cockburn.

Skelton was cautioned for careless riding as he had shifted right on the approach to the hurdle, giving a slight bump to The Ogle Gogle Man, which in turn shifted Manetti (IRE) off its intended line.

The winner, I’D BETTER GO NOW (IRE), appeared to show improved form compared with its previous run at Taunton on 10 December 2020 over steeplechase fences where the gelding was pulled up.

The explanation from Dan Skelton’s representative that I’D BETTER GO NOW (IRE) was suited by a return to hurdles and benefitted from a short break was noted.

I'd Better Go Now (IRE) was routine tested.

The performance of Major Dundee (IRE) which finished unplaced, was considered.

The representative of Alan King could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of Major Dundee (IRE) failed to reveal any abnormalities.

Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that Skipthescales (IRE), placed third, bled from the nose and further reported that Off The Beat (GB), unplaced, lost its left hind shoe.