Permission was given for Saikung (IRE) to wear a hood in the Parade Ring.

Kieran Shoemark, the rider of Saikung (IRE), was slow to remove the blindfold resulting in his horse being slow to start.

After being interviewed and shown recordings of the incident, Shoemark’s explanation that the blind became caught on the bridle on his first attempt and required a second attempt to remove was noted.

The winner, Almufti (GB), appeared to show improved form compared with its previous run at Wolverhampton on 30 November 2019 where the gelding finished eleventh of eleven, beaten by 9 ½ lengths.

Hugo Palmer’s representative’s explanation that the gelding appreciated being ridden with more cover on this occasion having raced wide last time out was noted.

Almufti (GB) was routine tested.

The performance of Sea Fox (IRE), which finished unplaced, was considered.

David Evans’ representative’s explanation that the gelding was never travelling was noted.

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

The representative of Tom Dascombe could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance.

Following the race, Hector Crouch reported that THECHILDREN’STRUST (IRE), placed fourth, ran too free and the Veterinary Officer reported that Candelisa (IRE), placed third, had blood in its mouth after biting its tongue.