An enquiry was held following a report from the Veterinary Officer that Dr Jon Scargill, the trainer of Cherbourg (FR), discovered food in Box 54 in the Racecourse Stables from a previous meeting.

Dr Scargill, the Stable Manager, the Veterinary Officer, the Senior Veterinary Surgeon and the Clerk of the Course were interviewed.

The Veterinary Officer was satisfied that the food present was normal horse feed pellets and the Stewards, being satisfied that Cherbourg (FR) had received only normal food and water by mouth on the day of racing, allowed the gelding to run.

Cherbourg (FR) was routine tested.

A report was forwarded to the Head Office of the British Horseracing Authority.

The Clerk of the Scales reported that Robert Winston, the rider of Cherbourg (FR), had to re-weigh as the girth and surcingle were missing from the saddle for the first weigh out.

Dr Scargill, Winston, the Valet and the Clerk of Scales were interviewed.

Dr Scargill explained that when he initially collected the saddle from Winston, he realised that the missing girth and surcingle were not present and he immediately informed the Clerk of the Scales who ordered Winston to re-weigh with the addition of the girth and surcingle.

The Valet added that the missing girth and surcingle were an oversight on his behalf.

The Stewards were satisfied that Cherbourg (FR) carried the correct weight throughout the race and accepted Dr Scargill’s and Winston’s explanations.

Following the race, Hector Crouch reported that Kafeel (USA), which was pulled up, lost its action and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.