See also » The New Lion stars in battling Turners success
Our mouths probably ran away with us earlier this season, but he just looked so good. Harry gave him an outstanding ride there, so patient. It’s not a coming-of-age ride because he’s been doing it for so long, but what a great ride. And the horse was just phenomenal. I trusted him and going to the last, with the three of them there, I believed he’d win. I always believed he’d win. In my heart, it just feels like it would take a very good one to get past this horse. I think he could be the best we’ve had, but this is uncharted territory for me as a trainer in my own right. When I worked for Paul (Nicholls) we had all those superstars, but I haven’t had a horse who can do things like this one. His simplicity is his greatest asset and he’s so easy. D Skelton, trainer

Permission was given for Potters Charm (IRE), Sixmilebridge (IRE) and The Yellow Clay (IRE) to each wear a red hood to post; Sixmilebridge (IRE) wore earplugs which were removed at the start.

After an initial false start, the start was effected successfully on the second attempt.

However, having reviewed recordings of the false start, the Starters were satisfied that no riders should be reported for contravening the starting procedures and that the false start was due to Sixmilebridge (IRE) being difficult when approaching the starting tape.

At the first hurdle, Kappa Jy Pyke (FR), placed sixth, jumped left-handed badly hampering Kaid D'authie (FR), which was later pulled up, who in turn hampered Forty Coats (IRE), placed fourth, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved and that it had not improved the placing of Kappa Jy Pyke (FR).

On the bend passing the stands on the final circuit, in a tightly bunched field Kel Histoire (FR), placed eighth, became short of room between Forty Coats (IRE), placed fourth, and Kiss Will (FR), placed seventh, forcing its rider to take a check, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved and that it had not improved the placing of either Forty Coats (IRE) or Kiss Will (FR).

An enquiry was held to consider interference after the final flight of hurdles involving The Yellow Clay (IRE), placed second, ridden by Jack Kennedy and the winner, The New Lion (GB), ridden by Harry Skelton.

Kennedy was suspended for 3 days for careless riding as he allowed his mount to drift right-handed under a left-handed drive without correction, brushing The New Lion (GB) and taking the gelding off its intended racing line.