THE SWEETHEART NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 4) (GBB RACE) Permission was given for SERGANT CHAOS to wear a red hood to post.

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Tamashal (IRE), ridden by Sean Levey and trained by Richard Hannon, which was ridden in rear throughout before staying on under apparent considerate handling in the home straight to finish fifth of ten runners, beaten by a distance of 7 ¾ lengths.

The rider and trainer’s representative were interviewed and shown recordings of the race.

The Veterinary Officer examined the colt post-race and found no abnormalities.

The rider stated that his instructions were to settle the colt, as it had a tendency to be keen, and to allow him to switch off before mounting his challenge turning in and finishing the race to achieve the best possible placing.

Levey explained that drawn in stall 7, Tamashal (IRE) missed the break and was slow into stride, which contributed to the colt taking up an early position at the rear of the field.

He stated that the field approached the junction at a good gallop before the pace weakened markedly after passing the crossing, at which point the colt began to over-race and had to be restrained off heels on a number of occasions during the early and middle stages of the race.

Levey further explained that, as the pace increased turning for home Tamashal (IRE) was left with significant ground to make up on the leaders.

He added that, although the colt picked up nicely when asked for an effort in the home straight, it became evident that he had no realistic chance of challenging the leaders and elected to ride Tamashal (IRE) under a hands and heels ride to achieve what he believed to be the best possible placing.

The trainer’s representative confirmed the instructions and expressed his satisfaction with the ride given.

Their explanations were noted.

Following the race, Darragh Keenan reported that Lady Of Clover (IRE), unplaced, ran too free.