An enquiry was held into the running and riding Rocco Royale (IRE), ridden by Jonjo O’Neill Jr and trained by Jonjo O’Neill, which, having raced in the rear of midfield until turning for home, stayed on strongly under tender handling until after the last hurdle to finish third, beaten 7 ¾ lengths.

The rider and the trainer’s representative were interviewed and shown recordings of the race; the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding shortly after the race revealed no abnormalities.

The rider stated his instructions were to sit mid-division, get the gelding jumping and to finish as strongly as possible.

O’Neill explained that he was slightly short of room both jumping and just after the second flight which left him further back in the field than ideal and amidst green horses which were running around and in turn unbalancing his own horse.

He added that rounding the final bend he was pleased with the way Rocco Royale (IRE) was travelling but met with further traffic in the home straight and although the gelding jumped well, he had to bide his time and it wasn’t until after the last that he had found clear space.

O’Neill was pleased with the gelding’s finishing effort, maintaining that he had achieved his best possible placing.

He added that he would be recommending that Rocco Royale (IRE) should stick to 2 miles, but that he might benefit from a more galloping track where he could get into a better rhythm.

The trainer’s Representative confirmed the instructions and that the ride accorded with the instructions given.

Their explanations were noted.

Following the race, Craig Nichol reported that Howyouplaythegame (FR), unplaced, hung right- handed and Lorcan Williams, the rider of Greatness Awaits (IRE), unplaced, reported that his saddle slipped to the left after the fourth hurdle, making it difficult for him to ride out fully.