An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Admodum (USA), ridden by Darragh Keenan and trained by John Butler, which raced in rear throughout much of the race, finishing eighth of 11, beaten by 7 ½ lengths.

The rider and the trainer’s representative were interviewed and shown recordings of the race; the Handicapper offered observations and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination during routine testing of Admodum (USA), shortly after the race, failed to reveal any abnormalities.

The rider stated that his instructions were to be handy as he had been when winning on Admodum (USA) at Chelmsford 12 December 2019, but that he was shuffled back shortly after the start due to horses coming across in front of him and he ended up being in last place in a race which was being run at a slow pace.

He added that he asked Admodum (USA) for an effort at the top of the hill but that the gelding felt flat and failed to quicken.

The trainer’s representative stated that she was unaware of the rider’s instructions and therefore could not comment on whether the rider accorded with the trainer’s instructions.

Their explanations were noted, Keenan was fined £140 for failing to report that Admodum (USA) ran flat and Butler was fined £290 for failing to inform his representative of the rider’s instructions.

Inside the final furlong, Stormingin (IRE), which dead-heated for third, edged left carrying Crimewave (IRE), which dead-heated for third, on to Bustaan (USA), placed sixth, ridden by Kieran Shoemark, causing Shoemark to take a check, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.

There was a delay to the weighed in for this race whilst the Judging verification procedure was undertaken to determine the outcome of a photo finish for third place, following which the result was confirmed.

Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that Stormingin (IRE), which dead-heated for third, lost its right hind shoe and had been struck into on its right hind.

The Veterinary Officer also reported that the winner, Noble Peace (GB), lost its left hind shoe.