An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Lord Of The Rock (IRE), ridden by Ross Chapman and trained by Danny Brooke, which was held up in rear before finishing under apparent tender handling from the second last, to finish seventh of eight runners, beaten by 15 lengths.

The rider and the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of Lord Of The Rock (IRE) failed to reveal any abnormalities.

Chapman stated that his instructions were to jump off, get the gelding settled at the rear of the field, ride a nice race and get him to finish.

He acknowledged that Lord Of The Rock (IRE) had previously run well at Sedgefield when ridden prominently but, as he is inclined to race freely and having had almost twelve months off, he had been instructed to ride with more restraint on this stiffer track.

He added that the gelding was again quite free in the early stages having been ‘set alight' by Officer Drivel (IRE), which was also racing freely alongside him and, having jumped the penultimate flight Lord Of The Rock (IRE) came off the bridle and finished one-paced.

The Trainer confirmed these instructions adding that the gelding has had breathing problems, hence the wind operation, so had told Chapman to hold onto the horse for as long as possible and added that he was satisfied with the ride.

Their explanations were noted.

Following the race, Jamie Hamilton reported that Temple Man (GB), placed eighth, ran in snatches; the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.