AINTREE FESTIVAL 2014 BLOG

Thursday 03 April to Saturday 05 April 2014
Aintree Festival 2014 This is my best ... and favourite ... photo taken at the Festival. Choc with his mum Sally following his victory aboard Avispa in the Mares’ Bumper on Friday – they were posing for a personal memento photo Having arrived home safely, at 22:45 on Saturday, it’s time to catch up on my diary entries. As I’ve been away since early Thursday, rather than commuting like I do to Cheltenham, I’ve missed the ATR news stories relating to the first two days, so there are no links to those on this occasion. And, having printed out a short document, my printer then refused to work; it’s been temperamental like this before despite having nothing wrong with it, and it is very frustrating because I wanted to print out all of the Aintree results to help with this blog and my diaries. Anyway, here goes ...
DAY 1
Turn Over Sivola ahead of the Silver Cross Red Rum Handicap Chase (Grade 3)	“Watch out Matt!” Meister Eckhart is full of beans ahead of the Dominion Republic Handicap Hurdle Race (Grade 3)
DAY 1 – AINTREE FESTIVAL RESULTS: Grumeti (Alan King/Choc) finished 5th in the Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) [2 miles 4 furlongs] (7 ran). Turn Over Sivola (Alan King/Choc) finished 2nd in the Red Rum Handicap Chase (Grade 3) [2 miles] (16 ran). Uxizandre (Alan King/AP McCoy) won the Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) [2 miles 4 furlongs] (5 ran). Meister Eckhart (Alan King/Choc) finished 3rd and Two Rockers (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 14th in the Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) [3 miles ½ furlong] (22 ran). OVERVIEW OF DAY 1: Race 1: 4-year-old Juvenile Hurdle [Grade 1] (15 ran). First blood went to Irish raider Guitar Pete, ridden by veteran Paul Carberry. It was an Irish one two, with Clarcam filling second spot; the horse had fallen in Cheltenham’s Fred Winter, breaking jockey Bryan Cooper’s leg on that occasion. Calipto, out of luck in the Triumph Hurdle when a broken stirrup leather handicapped Daryl Jacob’s efforts, he could only finish 3rd today under Sam Twiston-Davies. Race 2: Bowl Chase [Grade 1] (6 ran). Just six contenders for this event, with this season’s King George VI Chase winner Silviniaco Conti getting the better of Ryanair Chase victor Dynaste; the former stepping down in trip from the Gold Cup, the latter running over further today. Stewards Enquiry: 2.30, second race The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference approaching the second last fence. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that FIRST LIEUTENANT (IRE), placed fourth, ridden by Barry Geraghty, had interfered with DYNASTE (FR), placed second, ridden by Tom Scudamore. The Stewards found Geraghty in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding in that he allowed his mount to shift right handed without taking sufficient corrective action. They suspended him for 1 day as follows: Thursday 17 April 2014. Race 3: Aintree Hurdle [Grade 1] (7 ran). The New One’s luck finally changed today, with a win over Rock On Ruby (returning to hurdles) and Irish raider Diakali. It was a nail-biting finish with Sam Twiston-Davies’ mount just holding on from the rallying runner-up. The winning distances a head and a nose! Grumeti, with Choc regaining the ride aboard the McNeill mount, finishing in 5th of the 7. Stewards Enquiry: 3.05, third race The Stewards held an enquiry into the use of the whip by A. P. McCoy, the rider of DIAKALI (FR), placed third, from the second last hurdle. Having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the race, they found him in breach of Schedule (B)6 Part 2 in that he had used his whip above the permitted level. The Stewards suspended McCoy for 4 days as follows: Thursday 17, Saturday 19, Sunday 20 and Monday 21 April 2014. Race 4: Fox Hunters’ Chase for amateur riders run over the Grand National fences (21 ran). 21 runners in this event, with Brunswick Gold bolting at the start and being withdrawn. The race was won by Sam Waley-Cohen aboard Northern-Irish trained Warne; a bold, front running display. Sixteen runners completed, with one pulled-up and four unseated riders. Stewards Enquiry: 3.40, fourth race The Stewards held an enquiry into the use of the whip by Mr D. Skehan, the rider of MOSSEY JOE (IRE), placed third, from the final fence. Having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the race, they found him in breach of Schedule (B)6 Part 2 in that he had used his whip above the permitted level. They suspended Mr Skehan for 11 days, on dates which will be notified to him by the British Horseracing Authority. Race 5: Red Rum Handicap Chase [Grade 3] (16 ran). Victory for the Paddy Brennan-ridden, Tom George-trained, Parsnip Pete. More frustration for Choc, with Turn Over Sivola running extremely well to fill second place ... the only problem is, he’s run over fences six times now, finishing second on five occasions, and third once. Brilliant for each way betting but not if you’re seeking a winner!!! In fact he’s getting so frustrating that it makes me want to scream ... Stewards Enquiry: 4.15, fifth race The Stewards held an enquiry into the running and riding of CHANGING THE GUARD, ridden by Denis O’Regan and trained by Dr Richard Newland, which was well behind in the early stages of the race before staying on from two out under apparent tender handling, to finish eighth beaten 18 ½ lengths. They interviewed the rider and the trainer. They also heard observations from the Handicapper. The rider stated that his instructions were to make the running. However, he added that when the runners lined up the gelding was reluctant to go forward and therefore he lost his position. He further added that having got behind when trying to make ground in the latter stages, CHANGING THE GUARD hung left handed and did not jump fluently. The trainer confirmed that he wanted CHANGING THE GUARD to make the running and was disappointed that he had missed the break at the start. He added that the gelding has a history of hanging left. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race the Stewards noted their explanations. The Stewards considered the apparent improvement in form of the winner, PARSNIP PETE, ridden by Paddy Brennan and trained by Tom George, compared with its previous run at Ludlow on 20 March 2014, where the gelding finished sixth of eight beaten 11 ¾ lengths. They noted the trainer’s explanation that the gelding is better suited by the sounder surface. They ordered PARSNIP PETE to be routine tested. Race 6: Manifesto Novices’ Chase [Grade 1] (5 ran). This was an interesting heat; with surprise Arkle winner Western Warhorse taking on the JLT Novices’ Chase runner-up Uxizandre, also Dodging Bullets and Oscar Whisky, the latter having blotted his copybook with a first fence fall in Uxizandre’s Cheltenham race. Making up the field was Fox Appeal. Even the walkway exit was exciting, with Tom Scudamore legged-up late, the horse storming out and taking the nearby plastic rail with him before unseating his jockey. Luckily the horse didn’t get loose and the pilot was soon reunited; Tom’s needs a medal for riding this lunatic horse. Uxizandre and Western Warhorse cut out the running to start with, the former going on once Tom’s mount had expended most of his energy. Despite it appearing that Oscar Whisky might reel him in towards the finish, AP’s mount hung on the win by 1½ lengths. A Grade 1 winner for the Alan King yard. Why they ran badly: 4.50, sixth race Sam Twiston-Davies, the rider of DODGING BULLETS, unplaced, reported that the gelding ran flat. Race 7: Handicap Hurdle [Grade 3] (22 ran). Choc was aboard top weight Meister Eckhart, and Wayne rode stable-mate Two Rockers; the latter sporting the red and green Balder Succes colours. I was expecting a big run from Choc’s mount, as he was very fresh as he exited onto the course! The race was won by the David Pipe-trained Doctor Harper, from Kaylif Aramis and Meister Eckhart. Two Rockers finished 14th of the 22 runners. I wonder if the owners lost confidence in Choc when Two Rockers took a crashing fall at the first flight at Ascot earlier this year; latterly Choc having lost the ride aboard Balder Succes. Or did Choc upset them by nailing his colours to the Valdez mast for the Arkle; all academic in the end, with Balder bypassing Cheltenham. Stewards Enquiry: 5.25, seventh race The Stewards held an enquiry into the running and riding of CROWNING JEWEL, ridden by James Reveley and trained by Keith Reveley, which finished sixteenth beaten 37 ¼ lengths. They interviewed the rider and also heard observations from the Handicapper. The rider stated that his instructions were to try a change of tactics from the gelding’s usual way of being ridden and to settle him in. He added that he was happy with his position in the early stages of the race but that CROWNING JEWEL failed to pick up when asked for an effort in the home straight. He further added that it was likely that the gelding would go chasing in future. Having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the race the Stewards noted his explanations. Why they ran badly: 5.25, seventh race Richard Johnson, the rider of RETURN SPRING (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding felt wrong. It would have been nice if Choc could have won today, but I was still able to commiserate with him as he climbed back up the steps leading to the Weighing Room. And I wished him better luck for Friday ... my lips told me he was stubbly again today. LOL J
DAY 2
Avispa ahead of the Concerto Group Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Listed)	And they have won ... Choc and Avispa return to the Winners’ Enclosure
Winning trainer Alan King and jockey Choc pose for a photograph for Choc’s mum Sally
DAY 2 – AINTREE FESTIVAL RESULTS: Champion Court (Martin Keighley/Ian Popham) finished 9th in the Topham Handicap Chase over the Grand National fences (30 ran). Avispa (Alan King/Choc) won the Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race [Listed] (20 ran); Choc’s 32nd winner of the season. OVERVIEW OF DAY 2: Race 1: Top Novices’ Hurdle Race [Grade 1] (10 ran). This race was won by the Supreme Novices’ runner-up Josses Hill, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Barry Geraghty. Sgt Reckless was not so far out of his ground today and finished 2nd, having claimed 4th from Wilde Blue Yonder close home in the Supreme. Stewards Enquiry: 2.00, first race The Stewards noted that there was interference between ART OF PAYROLL (GER), placed sixth, BALTIMORE ROCK (IRE), placed fourth, IRISH CAVALIER (IRE), unplaced, and THE GAME CHANGER (IRE), unplaced, approaching the second last flight of hurdles, but after viewing a recording of the race they were satisfied that it was caused by accident. Race 2: Mildmay Novices’ Chase [Grade 1] (6 ran). Cheltenham Festival handicap scorer Holywell put his five rivals to the sword, including RSA Chase victor, O’Faolains Boy. Another winner for AP McCoy, this time trained by Jonjo O’Neill. A 10-length victory, clocking up a series of 4 consecutive wins. Why they ran badly: 2.30, second race The Stewards considered the running of O’FAOLAINS BOY (IRE), ridden by Barry Geraghty and trained by Rebecca Curtis, which finished fifth. The Stewards noted the explanation of the trainer’s representative that the gelding ran flat. They ordered O’FAOLAINS BOY (IRE) to be routine tested. Race 3: Melling Chase [Grade 1] (10 ran). A bigger than usual-sized field for this particular feature race. Another Irish-trained victor, Boston Bob on this occasion, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend ... but at least English owned!!! Ballynagour, winner of the Byrne Plate handicap chase at the Festival finished 3rd; they were split by the Paul Nicholls representative, the recently disappointing Rolling Aces. Stewards Enquiry: 3.05, third race The Stewards noted that ROLLING ACES (IRE), placed second, had interfered with RATHLIN, placed fifth, who then interfered with PEPITE ROSE (FR), placed sixth, approaching the last, but after viewing a recording of the incident they were satisfied that it neither involved a riding offence nor improved ROLLING ACES (IRE)’s placing. Why they ran badly: 3.05, third race Richard Johnson, the rider of WISHFULL THINKING, unplaced, reported that the gelding ran flat. They ordered WISHFULL THINKING to be routine tested. Race 4: Topham Chase [Grade 3] over the Grand National fences (30 ran). The race was won impressively by the mare Ma Filleule, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Barry Geraghty, who had finished runner-up in a Cheltenham handicap to guess who? Holywell! Winner of today’s Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase. She was chased home by Bennys Mist, Eastlake, Tatenen and favourite Double Ross. Martin Keighley was represented in this race by top weight Champion Court, ridden by Ian Popham; they completed the course to finish 9th. Race 5: Sefton Novices’ Hurdle [Grade 1] (18 ran). A third victory of the day for the Nicky Henderson/Barry Geraghty combination, this time with Beat That. Cole Harden completed in 2nd, the favourite Seeyouatmidnight 3rd. Stewards Enquiry: 4.15, fifth race The Stewards noted that TISTORY (FR), unplaced, had interfered with FLATFOOT BOOGIE (FR), unplaced, who in turn interfered with PORT MELON (IRE), unplaced, on the bend leaving the back straight but after viewing a recording of the race they were satisfied that it did not involve a riding offence. Race 6: Handicap Hurdle [Grade 3] (22 ran). A very close finish between the top four horses, with Clondaw Kaempfer prevailing from Caid Du Berlais, Cash And Go and Cheltenian. The favourite Stonebrook, trained by Donald McCain and ridden by AP McCoy, was eased having been hampered two out, finishing in 14th position. The winner was also trained by Donald McCain and was ridden by Wayne Hutchinson; the jockey’s 52nd winner of the season. Stewards Enquiry: 4.50, sixth race The Stewards held an enquiry into the fall of Charlie Deutsch, the rider of HAZY TOM (IRE), approaching the winning post on the first circuit. They interviewed Charlie Deutsch and having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the incident the Stewards found that the fall was caused by HAZY TOM (IRE) clipping heals with ZABANA (IRE). Being satisfied that the incident was accidental, the Stewards took no further action. Race 7: Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race [Listed] (20 ran). Another very close finish, with Avispa just managing to hold on from Lady Buttons. Phew! The distance a neck. Finally a Festival winner for Choc and his 32nd winner of the season. I was relieved for him too, with Wayne having scored in the previous race. It was lovely to see how pleased Alan King was too, especially for Choc. Choc’s mum was on hand to congratulate him and take memento photographs... and so was I, on the steppings below the Weighing Room. No surprise that I congratulated him as he returned to the Weighing Room following the presentation; he wasn’t stubbly today! Stewards Enquiry: 5.25, seventh race The Stewards considered the apparent improvement in form of the winner, AVISPA, ridden by Robert Thornton and trained by Alan King, compared with her previous run at Sandown on 8 March 2014 where the mare finished fourth of nine beaten 14¾ lengths. They noted the trainer’s explanation that the mare was suited by the better ground. They ordered AVISPA to be routine tested.
DAY 3
Wilde Blue Yonder ahead of the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle Race (Grade 1)	Balder Succes and Wayne Hutchinson return having won the Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
Ordo Ab Chao ahead of the Champion Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2)	Choc looks disappointed to have finished 4th aboard Ordo Ab Chao, his last opportunity of a second winner now gone
And last but not least, the 2014 Grand National winner is paraded in the pulling-up area at the end of the day; Pineau De Re with his adoring stable lass Carolyn White
DAY 3 – AINTREE FESTIVAL RESULTS: Wilde Blue Yonder (Alan King/Choc) finished 4th in the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (12 ran). Balder Success (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) won the Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (7 ran); Wayne’s 53rd winner of the season Walkon (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) was pulled up before 2 out in the Grand National having gone lame behind (40 ran). Ordo Ab Chao (Alan King/Choc) finished 4th and McCabe Creek (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 15th in the Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race (19 ran). OVERVIEW OF DAY 3: Race 1: Mersey Novices’ Hurdle [Grade 1] (12 ran). Victory for County Hurdle winner Lac Fontana; this time piloted by AP McCoy deputising for the injured Daryl Jacob. Runner-up was Betfair Hurdle winner Splash of Ginge, from Dell’Arca and Wilde Blue Yonder; the latter stepping up in trip today. More Stewards Enquiry: 1.30, first race The Stewards noted that the winner, LAC FONTANA (FR), and DELL’ ARCA (IRE) placed third, had both interfered with WILDE BLUE YONDER (IRE), placed fourth, on the bend leaving the back straight but after viewing a recording of the incident they were satisfied that it neither involved a riding offence nor improved either LAC FONTANA (FR)’s or DELL’ ARCA (IRE)’s placing. Why they ran badly: 1.30, first race The Veterinary Officer reported that the gelding UN ACE (FR), which was pulled up, trained by Kim Bailey, had bled from the nose. The Stewards ordered UN ACE (FR) to be routine tested. Race 2: Maghull Novices’ Chase [Grade 1] (7 ran). The favourite for this race was Irish raider Trifolium, but the impressive winner was the Alan King-trained Balder Succes, ridden by Wayne Hutchinson. Another British runner chased him home, Simply Ned. Alan’s third winner of the Festival and Wayne’s second. More And a photo from twitter: https://twitter.com/SandyCastle8/status/452745876247560192/photo/1 Why they ran badly: 2.05, second race Noel Fehily, the rider of HINTERLAND (FR), placed seventh, reported that the gelding ran too freely. The Stewards ordered HINTERLAND (FR) to be routine tested. The representative of Paul Nicholls, the trainer of HINTERLAND (FR), subsequently reported that, when scoped post-race, the gelding was found to have signs of blood in its trachea. Race 3: Stayers’ Hurdle Race [Grade 1] (7 ran). This race was won by Coral Cup winner Whisper; yet another winner for the Nicky Henderson team, ridden by Barry Geraghty. At Fishers Cross, who had jumped right throughout, finished as runner-up. More Stewards Enquiry: 2.50, third race The Stewards noted that AT FISHERS CROSS (IRE), placed second, had interfered with SALUBRIOUS (IRE), placed fifth, jumping the second-last flight of hurdles but after viewing a recording of the incident they were satisfied that it neither involved a riding offence nor improved AT FISHERS CROSS (IRE) ’s placing. Why they ran badly: 2.50, third race Jeremy Scott, the trainer of MELODIC RENDEZVOUS, placed seventh, reported that the gelding failed to stay the three miles and half a furlong. The Stewards considered the running of UNIONISTE (FR) ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies and trained by Paul Nicholls, which finished unplaced. They noted the trainer could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance. They ordered UNIONISTE (FR) to be routine tested. Race 4: Handicap Chase (Listed) Duke Of Lucca, fourth in Cheltenham’s cross country event, just held on from the rallying Vino Griego. Gullinbursti finished 3rd, with the pretty Kian’s Delight (one of my favourites) finishing 4th. More Stewards Enquiry: 3.25, fourth race The Stewards held an enquiry into the fall of Nico de Boinville, the rider of CARRUTHERS, at the start. They interviewed de Boinville and, having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the incident, the Stewards found that CARRUTHERS brushed the rail, making the gelding jink to its right and catch the quarters of RENARD (FR), ridden by Aidan Coleman, causing de Boinville to be unseated. Being satisfied that the incident was accidental, the Stewards took no further action. Race 5: The Grand National [Grade 3] (40 ran). There’s not much I can write about this ... as it’s been covered extensively in the media. Only to say it was won by 11-year-old Pineau De Re for trainer Dr Richard Newland and ridden by Leighton Aspell. And, for the second year running, the winning jockey had retired, only to make a comeback! More And there’s an article about the gallant runner-up, Balthazar King. More Poor Walkon was, technically, the only horse not to return; he was picked up by a horse-ambulance having suffered an injury to his hindquarters. He looked pretty sore, so I hope my favourite horse is going to be okay. L The start of the Grand National having been a bit of a farce, in the first instance, there is to be an official enquiry ... it appears the boys are in trouble! More The winner’s horsebox having been ‘decorated’ by Crabbies to mark the occasion, the Grand National winner is spotted travelling home! Okay for those vehicles with a passenger to take a photograph, but not so for those travelling alone! https://twitter.com/WILLIE747HUNT/status/452521820827435008/photo/1 And here’s Pineau De Re relaxing at home this morning: https://twitter.com/lovethe_races/status/452738533615501312/photo/1 Plus another brilliant cartoon from Darren Bird: https://twitter.com/DarrenBirdie/status/452739304822145024/photo/1 It seems to me that, although the safety has improved for the horses over the Grand National fences, the jockeys are now the ones taking a hammering instead ... and, to demonstrate this, here is a photograph which Jonjo O’Neill tweeted of Richie McLernon; he took a kicking when Twirling Magnet fell at the first fence: https://twitter.com/JonjoONeill/status/452526098572517376/photo/1 Stewards Enquiry: 4.15, fifth race The Stewards held an enquiry following a report from the Starter that Sam Twiston-Davies, the rider of TIDAL BAY (IRE), Mr S Waley-Cohen, the rider of LONG RUN (FR), Andrew Tinkler, the rider of HUNT BALL (IRE), Barry Geraghty, the rider of TRIOLO D’ALENE (FR), Noel Fehily, the rider of ROCKY CREEK (IRE), Brian O’Connell, the rider of QUITO DE LA ROQUE (FR), Mark Walsh, the rider of COLBERT STATION (IRE), Wayne Hutchinson, the rider of WALKON (FR), Richard Johnson, the rider of BALTHAZAR KING (IRE), Jack Doyle, the rider of WAYWARD PRINCE, Ryan Mania, the rider of MR MOONSHINE (IRE), Nick Schofield, the rider of TEAFORTHREE (IRE), Henry Brooke, the rider of ACROSS THE BAY (IRE), A P McCoy, the rider of DOUBLE SEVEN (IRE), A E Lynch, the rider of BUCKERS BRIDGE (IRE), Davy Russell, the rider of LION NA BEARNAI (IRE), Paul Townend, the rider of PRINCE DE BEAUCHENE (FR), Paul Carberry, the rider of MONBEG DUDE (IRE), Peter Buchanan, the rider of BIG SHU (IRE), Brian Harding, the rider of BURTON PORT (IRE), Denis O’Regan, the rider of OUR FATHER (IRE), Jamie Moore, the rider of MOUNTAINOUS (IRE), Aidan Coleman, the rider of THE RAINBOW HUNTER, Brian Hughes, the rider of VINTAGE STAR (IRE), Tom O’Brien, the rider of CHANCE DU ROY (FR), Ryan Mahon, the rider of HAWKES POINT, Wilson Renwick, the rider of KRUZHLININ (GER), Leighton Aspell, the rider of PINEAU DE RE (FR), Michael Byrne, the rider of GOLAN WAY, Richie McLernon, the rider of TWIRLING MAGNET (IRE), Katie Walsh, the rider of VESPER BELL (IRE), Tom Scudamore, the rider of THE PACKAGE, Davy Condon, the rider of RAZ DE MAREE (FR), Jake Greenall, the rider of ROSE OF THE MOON (IRE), David Bass, the rider of SHAKALAKABOOMBOOM (IRE), Paul Moloney, the rider of ALVARADO (IRE), Robert Colgan, the rider of LAST TIME D’ALBAIN (FR), Adam Wedge, the rider of ONE IN A MILAN (IRE) AND Conor O’Farrell, the rider of SWING BILL (FR) had lined up despite being advised by the Assistant Starter, who was positioned in front of the field, that it was not yet race time and then proceeded towards the start. When these riders moved forward towards the start they knocked down the Assistant Starter, thereby comprising the welfare of an Official. After taking initial evidence from the riders and the Starting Team, the Stewards adjourned the Enquiry to consider the matter. In attempting to re-convene the Enquiry after the last race, the riders, who had not been given permission to leave the course, refused to attend the Enquiry. The Stewards have referred the matter to the British Horseracing Authority. The Stewards held an enquiry to consider why Jack Doyle, the rider of WAYWARD PRINCE, which fell at the fourth-last fence, had continued in the race when his horse appeared to be exhausted. They interviewed the rider and having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the race the Stewards found him in breach of Rule (D)45.3 and suspended him for 12 days as follows: Saturday 19 April to Saturday 26 April inclusive and Thursday 1, Friday 2, Saturday 3 and Monday 5 June 2014. Why they ran badly: 4.15, fifth race The Veterinary Officer reported that QUITO DE LA ROQUE (FR), trained by Colm A Murphy, which was pulled up, had bled from the nose. The Veterinary Officer reported that ROSE OF THE MOON (IRE), which fell, trained by David O’Meara, had bled from the nose. Nicky Henderson, the trainer of TRIOLO D’ALENE (FR), unplaced, reported that the gelding had a breathing problem. The Veterinary Officer reported that WALKON (FR), which was pulled up, trained by Alan King, was lame behind. Race 6: Handicap Hurdle for Conditional Jockeys and Amateur Riders (22 ran). Victory for the Evan Williams-trained top weight Court Minstrel, ridden by Adam Wedge. Evan originally wanted to run his charge at the Scottish Grand National meeting in Ayr, but the owners persuaded him otherwise. As soon as Twoways was injured, both the trainer and stable lass sprinted across the racecourse to reach him; he left in a horse-ambulance. Why they ran badly: 5.10, sixth race The Veterinary Officer reported that TWOWAYS (IRE), which was pulled up, trained by Mark Rimell, was lame. Race 7: Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race [Grade 2] (19 ran). The foot was in the other foot in this race, with Sam Twiston-Davies riding Ballybolley getting the better of AP McCoy’s mount, Relic Rock in the final strides. Choc’s mount finished 4th, and Wayne’s 15th. So just two 4th places from his two rides today, for Choc; Wayne taking the number of winners head-to-head 2-1. Stewards Enquiry: 5.45, seventh race The Stewards noted that ROYAL SUPREME (IRE), unplaced, had interfered with BEATU (IRE), unplaced, which in turn interfered with HURRICANE HOLLOW, unplaced, on the first bend but after viewing a recording of the race they were satisfied that it did not involve a riding offence. The Stewards noted that AQALIM, placed third, had interfered with CLONDAW BANKER (IRE), unplaced, which in turn interfered with MODUS, unplaced, on the bend turning into the back straight, but after viewing a recording of the incident they were satisfied that it neither involved a riding offence nor improved AQALIM’s placing.