See also » Curling's Freddie improves dramatically for 'the application of cash'
He had been very disappointing on softer ground and we actually sent him to the sales but he was sent back. He done a couple of good bits of work but I don't know where all the money came from. He ran in a maiden hurdle over three miles and you'd think he'd want soft ground but he obviously doesn't. He'll run away during the summer and he'll have no bother jumping a fence - he'd jump fences better even as he jumps Easyfix hurdles better. It is unfortunate for Ian (McCarthy) as he forgot to sign in (for yesterday’s health screening) and he'll get back on him the next day. S Curling, trainer

The Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of Call Me Freddie (GB), trained by S. Curling, placed first, compared with its recent form. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned, who felt that today's improved performance was due to the better ground conditions today. He outlined the animal's previous form which he felt was very disappointing and stated that his charge was unable to handle the ground on recent occasions. He subsequently confirmed that he had not reported this to the authorities as required. When questioned about the significant market support for his charge Mr. Curling stated that he was unaware of where this had come from and expressed his surprise that the animal went off a very warm favourite. When questioned about the earlier request for a change of rider owing to the declared riders unavailability (rider administration error), he confirmed this reason to be accurate. He stated that he first became aware of the necessity for a rider change at around 11.30am or 12 noon by text and when asked to confirm this to the Stewards, he accepted that it was much earlier at 10.45am

Evidence was also heard from Mr. Andrew Shaw, Senior National Hunt Handicapper, who outlined the animals previous form and felt that today's win marked a significant improvement. He stated that Call Me Freddie (GB) had shown its best form to date when finishing second in a bumper at Carlisle over two years ago on soft ground and added that the animal had not run for 158 days. Mr Shaw was of the view that the improvement shown was more in the region of stones rather than pounds, which he has yet to officially evaluate. He concluded by stating that Call Me Freddie (GB) had finished 70 lengths last of 16, priced at 66/1, on his most recent start in a handicap hurdle, and it was hard to envisage how the horse could start at such a short price today

Having considered the evidence, the Stewards referred the matter to the Referrals Committee under the provisions of Rule 212(b)(iv) for further consideration.

An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards rated 80-95
Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 12st and the minimum weight shall not be less than 9st 12lbs
Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap shall carry 5lb extra for each hurdle race won.