Southwell Result

Acquisitor (GB), trained by Ali Stronge, finished sixth at Lingfield Park the previous day.

The Veterinary Officer reported that a pre-race examination deemed the gelding fit to race.

The Veterinary Officer reported that upon inspection, Johnny Boom (IRE) was a gelding and not a colt as published in the racecard.

Permission was given for Driftwood (GB), trained by Scott Dixon, to be led to post early.

As this request was submitted late, Dixon was cautioned as to his responsibility to ensure that all Raceday privilege requests are submitted before 1pm on the day before racing.

The unruly behaviour of Driftwood (GB), which planted in the Parade Ring and had to be led to post riderless, was considered.

As the filly had also planted and was led to post riderless at Southwell on 17 January 2021, Scott Dixon was informed that any future similar behaviour from Driftwood (GB) may result in the horse being reported to the Head Office of the British Horseracing Authority.

Shortly after the start, Cable Guy (GB), unplaced, lugged quickly left-handed unbalancing Johnny Boom (IRE), unplaced, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Johnny Boom (IRE), ridden by Tony Hamilton, and trained by Richard Fahey, which, having jumped well, was outpaced before staying on under a hands and heels ride to finish fifth of six runners, beaten by 10 lengths.

The rider was interviewed and shown recordings of the race and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding, during routine testing, failed to reveal any abnormalities.

The rider stated his instructions were to get Johnny Boom (IRE) to break smartly and then to ride the race as he found it.

In explaining his ride, Hamilton stated the gelding jumped well but suffered interference from Cable Guy (GB) shortly after the start causing him to become unbalanced, lose ground and drop to the rear of the field after which he opted to race wide to get out of the kickback.

He added that Johnny Boom (IRE) was under a full drive from the start to the end of the race and stayed on one-paced, gaining on horses which were dropping back having raced off a fast early pace.

He further added that, in his opinion, the gelding was improving and would be recommending to the trainer for Johnny Boom (IRE) to be stepped up in trip in future.

His explanation was noted.