Permission was given for Vado Forte (FR) to be mounted in the chute.

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of I'dliketheoption (IRE), ridden by Jonjo O'Neill Jr.

and trained by Jonjo O'Neill, which was held up at the back of the field and asked for an effort turning out of the back straight before staying on under apparent tender handling to finish ninth, beaten by 17¼ lengths.

The rider and the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race; the Veterinary Officer reported that two post-race examinations of the gelding, during routine testing, failed to reveal any abnormalities.

The rider stated his instructions had been to drop I'dliketheoption (IRE) in and get the gelding settled as I'dliketheoption (IRE) has a history of racing keenly.

He further added that his instructions were to get the gelding jumping and run on up the home straight to finish in the best possible position.

He stated that he felt the other runners had gone quickly up front and I'dliketheoption (IRE) had jumped carefully over the first few fences, resulting in the gelding becoming outpaced.

He further stated that the field had slowed turning into the back straight which allowed him to travel better and make up ground.

He added that the tempo had quickened again turning into the home straight, whereupon I'dliketheoption (IRE) had again been outpaced.

He further added that the gelding had taken a blow between the third and second-last fence before getting a second wind and running on one-paced after jumping the final fence.

The trainer stated that the ride accorded with his instructions and he was satisfied with the ride given, adding that I'dliketheoption (IRE) had perhaps not appreciated the ground, which was officially described as Soft on this occasion, and would prefer a faster surface.

Their explanations were noted.

An enquiry was held to consider the placings in this race after interference on the run to the line involving the winner, Defi Sacre (FR), ridden by James Best, Amoola Gold (GER), placed second, ridden by Harry Skelton, and Vado Forte (FR), placed third, ridden by Robert Dunne.

The Stewards considered that the interference had not improved any of the runners’ placings and was found to be accidental as Defi Sacre (FR) had shifted marginally left-handed after jumping the final fence before being corrected by its rider, resulting in Vado Forte (FR) being carried left-handed as the rider of Amoola Gold (GER) had manoeuvred right-handed in order to remain on the racing line, causing Vado Forte (FR) to be slightly tightened for room and Defi Sacre (FR) in turn to be carried off its intended line.