Jonathan Burke, the rider of the winner, Boothill (IRE), appeared to ease the gelding after jumping the final fence, allowing the second horse to close to within ¾ of a length at the line.

Burke explained that having jumped the final fence he looked at the big screen and was confident that Boothill (IRE) was safely clear and still had plenty of running left.

With only a short run to the line at Newton Abbot Burke felt assured of maintaining the gap without any assistance from the saddle but in hindsight he realised the folly of his riding.

Burke’s attention was drawn to the risks associated with easing down in the closing stages when other horses may be finishing quickly.

Following the race, Harry Cobden reported that Silent Revolution (IRE), placed third, had made several jumping mistakes; the Veterinary Officer reported a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.