An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Rage Of Thunder (IRE), ridden by Tom Queally and trained by Gary & Josh Moore, which raced keenly in the early stages and was held up in rear and appeared to be tenderly ridden in the concluding stages, to finish sixth of nine runners, beaten 4 ½ lengths.

The rider and the representative of the Moore's were interviewed and shown recordings of the race and the Veterinary Officer having examined the gelding post-race reported no adverse findings.

The rider stated that his instructions were to settle his mount and work his way into the race late to obtain the best possible placing as his mount, in previous runs, had a tendency to weaken in the finish as well as to hang when put under pressure.

He stated that Rage Of Thunder (IRE) was unsuited by the slow early pace and his mount had raced keenly to the outside of the field and had only settled exiting the back straight.

Queally further stated that having balanced his mount up in the home straight, the horse again showed a tendency to lug left-handed and in fact moved left from the one use of the whip in the right-hand.

He therefore continued to the finish under a hands and heels ride, and in his opinion to stay on at the finish obtaining the best possible placing.

The representative of the Moore’s stated that he was satisfied with the ride under the circumstances and that it accorded with the instructions given.

After considering the evidence presented and having reviewed the previous runs of Rage Of Thunder (IRE), their explanations were noted.

The winner, Silver Arrow (IRE), appeared to show improved form compared with its previous run at Lingfield Park, on 4 December 2024 where the gelding finished last of twelve runners, beaten by 20 lengths.

Amy Murphy’s explanation that Silver Arrow (IRE) had benefited from settling off the pace on this occasion was noted and the gelding was routine tested.

Following the race, Callum Hutchinson reported that Brightandbeautiful (GB), placed fourth, was slowly away and Oliver Carmichael reported that Rotation (GB), unplaced, ran too free.