An enquiry was held into the running and riding of all beaten horses after the winner Swaffham Bulbeck (IRE) had been allowed to establish a sizeable uncontested lead through the early and middle stages of the race.

Nathan Moscrop, the rider of Whiskey And Water (GB), placed second, Jordan Nailor, the rider of Lively Citizen (IRE), placed third, Robert Dunne, the rider of El Borracho (IRE), placed fourth, and Theo Gillard, the rider of Beach Break (GB), placed fifth, were interviewed and shown recordings of the race.

Theo Gillard stated his instructions were to make the running on Beach Break (GB) or sit second if the pace was too quick.

He added that he asked for an effort towards the end of the back straight but his mount was unable to quicken and finished tired.

Robert Dunne stated his instructions were to drop in last as El Borracho (IRE) can be keen.

He added that he was unable to get his mount to go any quicker at any stage and the gelding never travelled due to the frenetic pace of the race.

He added that he had asked his mount for an effort after the fourth last but the gelding was one-paced.

Jordan Nailor stated his instructions were to pop out in front if there was no gallop or sit where Lively Citizen (IRE) was comfortable.

He felt his horse was unable to go the pace set by the winner Swaffham Bulbeck (IRE).

He was squeezing Lively Citizen (IRE) along from the fourth last but was unable to make any in-roads on the leader.

Nathan Moscrop stated his instructions were to take his time and hold on to Whiskey And Water (GB) as long as possible as the gelding had not been seeing out his races to the line.

He added that he tried to quicken up after the fourth last hurdle but was only staying on at the one pace.

All riders were of the opinion that the early pace was very quick and not sustainable, therefore feeling that the leader would weaken and come back to them in the latter stages and their mounts would not have finished any closer, had they been asked to quicken from further out.

Having heard their evidence, the explanations were noted.