Chester Result

Permission was given for Rock Melody (IRE) to wear a red hood to the start and for KEEPER’S CHOICE (IRE) to go early to post.

Kevin Philippart de Foy was fined £80 as he failed to submit the raceday privilege request in relation to Rock Melody (IRE) by 1pm on the day before racing.

Leaving the stalls, Verreaux Eagle (IRE), placed fourth, jumped right-handed at the same time as KEEPER’S CHOICE (IRE), placed second, jumped left-handed causing Rock Melody (IRE), placed third, to become short of room, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved and that it had not improved the placing of KEEPER’S CHOICE (IRE).

An enquiry was held to consider interference on the run to the line when the winner, Queen Of Burgundy (GB), ridden by Frederick Larson, interfered with Rock Melody (IRE), placed third, ridden by Benoit de la Sayette.

Larson was cautioned for careless riding as he allowed his horse to drift right-handed without sufficient correction causing Rock Melody to become short of room.

On the run to the line, Frederick Larson, the rider of the winner, Queen Of Burgundy (GB), struck Rock Melody (IRE), placed third, once across the nose with his whip, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was considered to be accidental.

The performance of Cygneture (GB), which finished sixth, beaten by 19¾ lengths, was considered.

It was noted that Ralph Beckett could offer no explanation for the filly’s performance on this occasion other than a report from Callum Rodriguez that Cygneture (GB) jumped slowly from the stalls and was never travelling thereafter.

The Veterinary Officer subsequently reported that a post-race examination of the filly failed to reveal any abnormalities.