Maiden hurdle declared void with new stop-race procedure enforced by stewards

Plumpton officials voided the 2m maiden hurdle as the runners began the final circuit after Wudyastopasking was fatally injured.

The jockeys were instructed to pull up as they were unable to pass the stricken horse. It was the first example of the revised stop-race procedure, which took effect in January, being carried out.

"The procedure worked really well," said chief steward Richard Westropp. "Unfortunately the horse injured himself approaching a hurdle and then veered off to the bypassing area to the left of it.

"There was nowhere for the runners to go on the next circuit and you have to be aware of people attending to the horse – their safety is paramount. The clerk of the course and vet acted quickly and the flags worked well. All the jockeys followed procedure to the letter."

"We all know the procedure and stopped," said Jamie Moore, rider of Dorking Lad. "It's unfortunate for connections of the injured horse. There will be another day for my lad. It's just one of those things."

Natural off the mark

Jamie Moore checked for dangers in the final furlong but found none as Natural History ran out an easy winner of the 2m handicap hurdle.

Natural History: an impressive winner under Jamie MooreCredit: Edward Whitaker

Natural History, who beat stable star Goshen on the Flat in October when trained by Andrew Balding, was second on his first two starts over hurdles but recorded a convincing 15-length success this time.

"He's proven he's a better horse on better ground," said trainer Gary Moore. "His owner would like to run him in the Imperial Cup at Sandown this month but he'd need a big rise in the weights after this to get in."

Big gamble

Ayr Of Elegance was heavily backed into 100-30 favouritism before winning for the first time since 2019 in the 2m4½f handicap hurdle.

The nine-year-old, who was available at 11-1 in the morning, ended her ten-race losing sequence with a five-and-a-half length success. It was her first win for trainer David Jeffreys since joining him last July.

"The blinkers made a huge difference," said Jeffreys. "She hadn't been showing a lot since she joined us but we put the blinkers on the other day and she took off with my head lad. We took them straight off and decided to leave them off until her race today.

"You could see she was bouncing and looked magnificent. A lot of credit goes to my head lad. We couldn't let her run without blinkers."

Birthday winner

Dylanseoghan provided a timely reminder that age is just a number when landing the 3m1½f handicap chase following a photo finish.

Dylanseoghan (left): gave Andy Irvine a winner on his 45th birthdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

The 12-year-old stayed on best to deny What A Moment by a short head and give trainer Andy Irvine a winner on his 45th birthday.

"We love having runners here," said Irvine, who was celebrating his third victory since inheriting the licence after the death of his wife Zoe Davison in January. "He's done well here before and dug really deep."

Results, replays and analysis

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