Shortly after the start, Butterfield (IRE), placed third, lugged quickly right-handed bumping Never A Word (USA), placed sixth, heavily, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved and that it had not improved the placing of Butterfield.

Sean Davis, the rider of the winner Yamato (IRE) appeared to ease the gelding down heavily when it was approximately 6 lengths clear inside the final half furlong allowing the second-placed horse to close within a fast diminishing short head.

The rider explained that Yamato (IRE), had travelled strongly and kicked clear in the early part of the home straight despite feeling awkward in its gait behind.

Davis added that when the gelding lugged left near the half furlong marker, he became concerned that the horse may have lost its action, a fact he reported at scales.

He further added that after looking over his right shoulder half a furlong out he saw that Yamato (IRE) held a sizeable advantage and therefore felt it prudent to look after the gelding on the run to the line.

Davis explained that he was unaware that two runners were closing rapidly on Yamato (IRE) in the closing stages, however, on pulling up he immediately dismounted the gelding as in his opinion, it felt distressed and was raising a hind leg in an abnormal fashion.

The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding, failed to reveal any abnormalities.

Having heard his evidence, Davis’ attention was drawn to the risks associated with easing down in the closing stages when other horses may be finishing quickly.

Following the race, Megan Nicholls reported that Never A Word (USA), placed sixth, was slowly away and Hector Crouch reported that Konigin (GB), unplaced, was denied a clear run approaching the home turn.