Boro Babe (FR) trained by Nick Williams did not enter the Parade Ring due to David Bass being late weighing out, having ridden in the previous race.

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Uptown Lady (IRE), ridden by Jonjo O’Neill Jr and trained by Jonjo O’Neill, which jumped off midfield before tracking wide throughout and gradually drifting back through the field to be last entering the home straight, whereupon the mare had stayed on well under apparent considerate handling in the home straight to finish fourth of nine runners, beaten 28 lengths.

The rider and the trainer’s representative were interviewed and shown recordings of the race and the Veterinary Officer reported that 2 post-race examinations of Uptown Lady (IRE) during routine testing, failed to reveal any abnormalities, other than a minor laceration to the left-foreleg.

O’Neill Jr stated that his instructions were to be handily away, give Uptown Lady (IRE) plenty of room and try to get the mare to run as well as she could.

O'Neill Jr explained that Uptown Lady (IRE) had been an expensive recruit for the yard, but disappointed on both runs under rules last season, once in a bumper and also on its hurdling debut, adding that the mare has also had wind issues during training this preparation.

O'Neill Jr stated that Uptown Lady (IRE) settled well off a moderate pace and after being a little big at the first hurdle, had jumped well for the majority of the race.

He added that the mare had made a respiratory noise going down the hill towards the end of the back straight, and was outpaced when the tempo increased going down the side of the track into the home turn.

O'Neill Jr further explained that being mindful of Uptown Lady (IRE)'s previous wind issues and the fact she had repeatedly made respiratory noise's over the final half a circuit, he had wanted to keep a good hold of the mare's head and help her through the Heavy going on this occasion.

O'Neill Jr considered that Uptown Lady (IRE) had stayed on to good effect through tired horses and only finished as close as she did because of the manner in which he had handled her, particularly in the home straight.

O'Neill Jr maintained that he had been constantly niggling and squeezing the mare forward in the home straight, predominantly through the use of his legs and knees, whilst trying to keep the bit up in the mare's mouth, so she didn't step at her hurdles and had also used the whip on three occasions.

The representative of the trainer advised that she was unaware of the rider’s instructions, but expressed satisfaction with the ride which Uptown Lady (IRE) was given.

O'Neill Jr was found guilty of failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures to obtain the best possible placing on Uptown Lady (IRE), in that he had failed to ride his mount in such a way that he could be seen to ask for real and substantial effort for much of the home straight and was suspended for 12 days.

In addition, Jonjo O’Neill Snr was fined £290 for failing to inform his representative of the rider’s instructions.

Following the race, David Bass, the rider of Boro Babe (FR), placed third, reported that his reins had become separated after the last hurdle as a result of the buckle having come loose.

This resulted in Bass being unable to ride out fully to the line.

After inspection of the reins, the Stewards were satisfied that they were in a serviceable condition and therefore no further action was taken.