Permission was given for Moonstone Boy (IRE) to go early and wear a red hood to post.

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Kodenza (IRE), ridden by David Allan and trained by Tim Easterby which appeared to be tenderly ridden from two furlongs out to finish third beaten 3 lengths.

The rider and the representative of the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race and the Veterinary Officer performed two post-race examinations of Kodenza (IRE) during routine testing and found the gelding on the second examination to be two fifths lame on its left fore.

The rider stated that he had been given no specific instructions, but his intentions were to get a lead from the favourite and to ride the race as he found it to achieve the best possible placing.

Allan explained that he received a small bump leaving the stalls, but this allowed him to gain cover and track the favourite Orchard Park (GB) as planned.

He then added that the race was not being run at a strong pace but he managed to settle Kodenza (IRE) in the early stages to then become outpaced as the pace increased approximately 2 furlongs out.

Allan further explained that at this stage of the race Kodenza (IRE) started to persistently lug to its left towards Kipp Kelly (GB), a fact that he reported at Scales, and felt it necessary to maintain both hands on the reins in order to keep the gelding both straight and balanced, to run on in the concluding stages to ultimately pass Kipp Kelly (GB) and obtain third place.

The rider further stated that he feels 5 furlongs is an adequate distance for Kodenza (IRE) and that this is his recommendation to connections.

The representative of Tim Easterby confirmed that there were no specific instructions given to the stable rider and that he was satisfied with the ride given.

Their explanations were noted.

Following the race, Billy Loughnane reported that Unforgettable Fire (IRE), unplaced, ran green and hung left-handed.