Sedgefield Result

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of all beaten horses after the winner William Yeats (GB) had been allowed to establish a sizeable lead through the early and middle stages of the race.

Brian Hughes, the rider of Laristote (FR), placed third, Shane Fenelon, the rider of Turbo Boy (IRE), placed fourth, and Harry Atkins, the rider of Drakaris (IRE), placed second, were all interviewed and shown recordings of the race.

Being a 7Ib Claiming Conditional, Atkins was offered the opportunity to be accompanied in the enquiry but declined.

Hughes stated that his instructions were to sit third or fourth with cover to encourage the gelding to settle.

He explained that he had made his effort ½ a mile out on Laristote (FR) and got into second place whereafter the gelding weakened in the final furlong to finish a tired third.

Fenelon stated that his instructions were to jump off and sit upsides in front.

He explained that Turbo Boy (IRE) was flat out the whole way from the start and was never able to quicken at any point in order to catch the winner, William Yeats (GB).

Atkins stated that his instructions were to drop out last and get the filly settled as this was her first run of her career.

He explained that Drakaris (IRE) ran green in the first few furlongs and was on and off the bridle.

He further added that he had got onto Laristote (FR)’s tail on the second circuit and made his effort 3 furlongs out and only stayed on at the one pace in the home straight to pass the weakening Laristote (FR) in the final furlong.

Atkins added that he had, in his opinion, obtained the best possible placing.

Their explanations were noted.