See also » Townend 'too far back' in championship

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Freddie's Back, ridden by S.W. Flanagan and trained by E. McNamara. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. S.W. Flanagan stated that his instructions were to get cover early on and ride his best race from there. He said his mount was carried wide after the second hurdle, causing him to lose some ground at a point when the three front runners were stretching clear

He further added that the horse he was racing beside started to tire and he was left isolated. He concluded by stating that his mount had burst a blood vessel previously and had not run since December which was to the forefront of his mind throughout. E. McNamara confirmed the instructions given and expressed his satisfaction with the ride. He outlined the animal’s previous veterinary history and felt that if the rider had chased the front runners earlier he would not have finished as well as he did. He also added that the first and second placed horses were highly rated and he felt he had no realistic chance of racing with them but would have been delighted if the rider felt Freddie's Back was capable on the day. He concluded by stating that on pulling up, his charge looked to have had a hard race, and was found to have burst blood vessels following endoscopic examination by the Racecourse Veterinary Officer. The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that the animal was clinically abnormal post race and had pulled off a right front shoe. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the explanations given and took no further action.

A hurdle for four years old and upwards, maidens at starting that are EBF eligible and that have not run as a two or three yr old under Rules of Racing
Weights - 4-y-o 11st 2lbs 5-y-o and up 11st 12lbs. Mares allowed 7lbs.