Sean Bowen the rider of Holeshot (IRE), trained by Tim Vaughan, was asked to explain his riding from the second last fence from which point the gelding appeared to stay on evenly under hands and heels riding to finish fifth of eleven runners, beaten by 17¼ lengths.

Bowen stated his instructions were to ride Holeshot (IRE) where he was comfortable and get him into a good rhythm.

Bowen added the gelding jumped pretty well on his chasing debut, however had been under a sustained drive from jumping the third last on the long run to two out and whilst he had been passing some tiring horses in the process, he felt that Holeshot (IRE) himself had peaked on his run and was only staying on at the one-pace.

For this reason as a novice, he considered it important that the gelding jumped the last two fences safely, which it did apart from reaching for the last fence and he was firmly of the opinion that Holeshot (IRE) was not making ground on the front three horses under his urgings, but rather he was actually flattered by the fourth horse Sunday Soldier (IRE) finishing weakly on the run-in.

Bowen finalised by indicating that Holeshot (IRE) may benefit from a step up in trip going forwards.

His explanation was noted.

Following the race, David Bass reported that Bowenspark (IRE), which was pulled up, jumped poorly; Derek Fox reported that Saracen Beau (IRE), placed second, was hampered by the faller at the 4th last fence; Craig Nichol reported that Aboutdamntime (IRE), unplaced, was hampered by the faller at the 4th last fence; Harry Bannister reported that Windsurfer (GB), unplaced, was hampered by the faller at the 4th last fence.