Pontefract Result

The performance of COTE D’AZUR, which finished fifth, was considered.

Les Eyre could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination, during routine testing of COTE D’AZUR, failed to reveal any abnormalities.

The Stewards enquired into the tactics adopted on WHERE’S JEFF, ridden by Joanna Mason and trained by Michael and David Easterby, which jumped straight to the lead from stall 4 before being angled extremely wide towards the stands rail rounding the first bend, where it remained racing for the majority of the contest before finishing second, beaten by 1½ lengths.

The rider was interviewed and shown recordings of the race.

Mason explained that she had walked the course with David Easterby prior to race 1 and after using their going stick to assess track conditions, they had formulated the opinion that the going within 3 horse widths of the stands rail was considerably quicker than the remainder of the course.

It was hoped the advantage they would gain by racing on a quicker strip of ground would counteract the additional distance they would be required to cover by charting such a wide course.

Mason further indicated that WHERE’S JEFF persistently lugged left-handed throughout the race and in her opinion was looking for the company of other horses.

Her explanation was noted.