The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Meadows Thyne placed second, ridden by Ruby Walsh, and trained by Tony Martin. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. Ruby Walsh stated that his instructions were that, because this horse is a buzzy sort, to drop him in and creep into the race and finish as best he could. He stated that the horse was fairly keen early, and that the runners went a good gallop, and he didn't travel particularly well at times, he was on and off the bridle. He thought the rest of the horses were going plenty fast enough with a mile to race, but because he wasn't travelling particularly well, he was happy to wait until the top of the hill to make his move. At the top of the hill he shook up his mount and halfway down the hill, his mount came back on the bridle, and he realised he was travelling better than most in front of him, bar the winner, which in his opinion had flown. He said his tactics, dropping his mount out and creeping into it, which he often uses to great success, did not seem to work effectively on his occasion.
Tony Martin, stated that this horse has a litany of problems, had broken down before, and is a very buzzy sort, and he confirmed the instructions. He stated that because of the horses list of problems, he did confirm that he asked the rider not to be hard on the horse but to do the best he could. He said looking back at the race, he felt he may have finished closer with a more positive ride.
The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Meadows Thyne was examined after the race and found to be post race normal.
Having viewed the video of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations of the trainer Tony Martin and rider Ruby Walsh, and as they could not be satisfied in this instance that Meadows Thyne had not achieved his best possible placing, the Stewards cautioned Ruby Walsh to be seen to make more effort in future.
