An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Flight To Milan (IRE), ridden by Mitchell Bastyan and trained by Evan Williams, which was ridden into a challenging position out of the back straight on the final circuit, but then appeared to be tenderly handled in the closing stages to finish third, beaten by 1 length for second place.

The rider and the trainer’s representative were interviewed and shown recordings of the race; and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.

The rider stated his instructions were to sit mid-division, but to give Flight To Milan (IRE) plenty of light at the fences as, despite plenty of schooling at home, he had not been a natural.

He added that although he was taken off his feet in the early stages, as the gelding’s jumping improved, he was able to sit just off the leaders and he was happy with his position.

However, as the race progressed, he felt Flight To Milan (IRE) begin to tire and its jumping began to deteriorate down the final back straight, so he held him together on the approach to the final fence and once negotiated asked him to pick up, but the gelding emptied and was unable to pass PADDY’S POEM for second.

The trainer’s representative stated that these were the instructions and that he was satisfied with the ride.

Their explanations were noted.