Permission was given for Jack The Savage (GB) to go early wearing a red hood to the start and to be mounted in the chute; for Star Legend (IRE) to wear a red hood to the start.

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Mayos Vendangeur (IRE), ridden by Miss Megan Davies and trained by Lucinda Russell, which raced in the rear of the field throughout before beginning to make steady progress having turned into the home straight without encouragement from the saddle until after the last hurdle when the mare was given a hands and heels ride to finish third beaten by a distance of 12 ¾ lengths.

The rider and the trainer’s representative were interviewed and shown recordings of the race; and the Veterinary Officer examined the mare post-race on two occasions and had found her to be marginally lame on her right-hind and left-fore legs during both.

Davies explained that her instructions were to drop Mayos Vendangeur (IRE) out and get her to settle on this step up in trip.

The rider went on to explain that Mayos Vendangeur (IRE) travelled well throughout the first half of the race before beginning to race slightly behind the bridle after leaving the back straight, at which stage Davies felt that she squeezed the mare along from that point.

Davies added that Mayos Vendangeur (IRE) had made a mistake at the third last hurdle resulting in her becoming unbalanced, taking a stride or two to gather the mare back up as a result.

When questioned on why she had waited until after the last hurdle before she was seen to ask the mare for an effort, Davies reported that having made the mistake, she was conscious about getting over the last two hurdles safely and therefore felt it prudent not to get vigorous in the saddle until after jumping the last.

When questioned on the post-race lameness, the rider informed the Stewards that at no point during the race did she feel the mare moving poorly and that she had only become aware of this on hearing the Veterinary Officer’s report in the enquiry.

Davies finished by stating that she had in her opinion obtained the best possible placing.

The representative of Lucinda Russell confirmed the instructions and reporting that whilst he was satisfied with the ride, he drew attention to the rider’s inexperience and acknowledged that everyone makes mistakes.

Davies was suspended for 10 days, on dates to be notified to her by the Head Office of the British Horseracing Authority, as she asked for an effort too late as a result of serious misjudgement or inattention.