Cheltenham Result

An enquiry was held to consider the placings in this race after two incidents of interference on the run to the line involving the winner, Trio For Rio (IRE), ridden by Mr Tommie M.

O'Brien and Fixe Le Kap (FR), placed second, ridden by Mr George Henderson.

The Stewards considered that the interference had not improved Trio For Rio (IRE)’s placing as in the first incident, shortly after jumping the final fence, he appeared to lose momentum when having his hind quarters turned by Fixe Le Kap (FR) who drifted significantly left-handed after jumping the final fence.

Trio For Rio (IRE) then drifted right-handed on the run to the line, moving and then intimidating Fixe Le Kap (FR) slightly off its intended line, but appeared to always be holding the gelding, who lost little momentum, winning by a neck.

Mr Henderson was suspended for 4 days for careless riding as he allowed his mount to move significantly left-handed for several strides, under a right-hand drive, without correction notably bumping Trio For Rio (IRE).

Mr O’Brien was suspended for 2 days for careless riding as in the second incident of interference, he allowed his mount to drift right-handed under a left-hand drive, without sufficient correction, taking Fixe Le Kap (FR) off its racing line.

Following the race, Mr Albi Tufnell reported that I'm Wiser Now (IRE), placed third, was never travelling and also jumped left-handed.