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The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Alphonse Le Grande, ridden by Ms S. Whittle, and trained by A.J.Martin. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer's Authorised representative concerned. In her evidence, Ms S. Whittle, stated that she was instructed to drop her mount in the last quarter of the field of runners, get him jumping and into a nice rhythm as this was his first handicap hurdle. She explained that she had jumped off too far back in the field of runners having missed the break. She added that she allowed her mount to settle at rear in a strong gallop and moved out to get a position across the top of the track. On further questioning, she accepted that she had sat motionless both before the turn into the straight and at the early part of the straight before making some effort. Ms Cathy O'Leary, Authorised representative for A.J.Martin, stated that the rider was told to be three quarters of the way back in the field of runners and not in last place as seen. She added that their charge was inclined to stop when going into a hurdle and there was a requirement to take him handy and get him jumping. She informed the Raceday Stewards that she was very disappointed with the ride as the rider did not ride to instructions and was not hard on the horse allowing him to come home as best he could. The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Alphonse Le Grande was post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the trainers explanation as given through his Authorised representative

They were, however, of the opinion that Ms S. Whittle was in breach of Rule

An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards rated 80-102
Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap shall carry 7lb extra for each hurdle race won.
Riders - 1. Lady Riders who hold a Licence under I.N.H.S. Rules who have not lost the right to claim an allowance under Rule 52 (iii) (up to and including 19th February) 2. Lady Riders who hold a Licence under National Hunt Rules to ride in hurdle races issued by any Recognised Turf Authority who have not ridden 60 winners or more (up to and including 19th February) 3. Lady Riders who hold a Category ''C'' Permit to ride under I.N.H.S. Rules 4. Lady Riders who hold a Permit to ride in hurdle races against Professional Riders issued by any other Recognised Turf Authority. The Stewards of the I.N.H.S. Committee have suspended the relevant parts of Rule 135 for the purposes of this race. Allowances - (up to and including 19th February and which are not cumulative) Riders who have not ridden three *winners allowed..........7lb Riders who have not ridden twenty *winners allowed..........4lb Riders who have not ridden thirty *winners allowed..........2lb No allowance to riders under Rule 52 (iii) may be claimed *Including races under any N.H. Rules or Rules of Racing