Permission was given for Khayyaal (USA) to wear a red hood to the start.

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Ayyaamy (IRE), ridden by David Nolan and trained by Michael Herrington, which jumped well and raced at the front of the chasing pack to then be tenderly handled in the home straight, to finish sixth, beaten 14¼ lengths.

The rider was interviewed and shown recordings of the race and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities other than Ayyaamy (IRE) appears to be a poor mover.

The rider stated his instructions were to finish as best as he could on a horse that has had 239 days off the track.

He added that the gelding jumped well from the stalls, but the early pace was fast and he couldn’t lay-up but Ayyaamy (IRE) settled into a good rhythm and he thought that the two leaders would come back to him.

Having asked the gelding to make up ground around the final bend, Ayyaamy (IRE) eventually tired and had no more to give over the final furlong, so he pushed hands and heels to the line and in his opinion, achieved the best possible placing.

Nolan’s explanation was noted.

Following the race, Stevie Donohoe reported that Scarborough Castle (GB), unplaced, jumped left leaving the stalls and Daniel Muscutt reported that Num Num (GB), unplaced, hung left on the final bend.