See also » Politologue powers to Champion Chase success
My plan when I rang John up at Christmas was I said I wasn’t going to run him until the Champion Chase. I wanted to do everything I could to have him fit and fresh and all week and he’s just been looking amazing. He had a great prep. He ran ran well last year and was entitled to go close on that run, and I thought he was in a better place. I just decided this year we’d bring him here really, really fresh. He’s been doing all his work with Clan Des Obeaux, who is the same, and he’s been in really good form. He looked outstanding in the parade ring beforehand and I have been getting more bullish about him. It’s his fifth Festival in a row and testament to the horse, he bled after the Tingle Creek and we just changed a few things. He does all his work on the level and trotting up the road. We just tweaked his work to stop him bleeding and he did the job right. Paul Nicholls, trainer

Permission was given for Politologue (FR) to wear a hood to the start; Defi Du Seuil (FR) wore earplugs which were removed at the start.

An enquiry was held into the performance of Defi Du Seuil (FR), which started favourite and finished fourth, beaten by 13¼ lengths.

Philip Hobbs and Barry Geraghty were interviewed.

Hobbs could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance other than Geraghty reporting that Defi Du Seuil (FR) was never travelling.

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

Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of Dynamite Dollars (FR), placed second, during routine testing shortly after the race, revealed the gelding lost its right-fore shoe.

For 5yo+ who are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including the day prior to confirmation - horses who are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain, Ireland or France may also be entered & such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse's racecourse performances up to and including the day prior to confirmation would merit a minimum rating of 130 (the decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final).
Weights - 11st 10lb each
Allowances - Mares allowed 7lb