An enquiry was held into the running and riding of WEAVER’S ANSWER, ridden by Charlie Price and trained by Tim Vaughan, who was settled towards the rear of the field before being asked for an effort under tender handling after the second last hurdle, to finish sixth of ten, beaten 38 ½ lengths.

The rider and the trainer’s representative were interviewed and shown recordings of the race and the Veterinary Officer reported a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.

The rider stated his instructions were to drop WEAVER’S ANSWER in, get him to settle and to give him daylight at the hurdles, as Price explained that on its previous start over hurdles at Chepstow, the gelding had raced freely and jumped deliberately.

Price further explained that WEAVER’S ANSWER again jumped deliberate on occasions in the early stages, before gaining confidence throughout the race.

He added that on leaving the back straight he became momentarily caught behind the weakening Barrier Peaks (FR), before obtaining clear running to his inside once the rail stopped, whereupon he slowly improved his placing whilst passing tired horses.

The representative of Tim Vaughan confirmed these instructions and stated that he was satisfied with the ride, agreeing that WEAVER’S ANSWER was still green, learning its job and would in the future benefit from a combination of a step up in trip and softer going.

He did though state that it was the trainer’s intention to run WEAVER’S ANSWER again in the near future.

Their explanations were noted.