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Prior to the running of the race false rails were placed at the 1000 metres marker for approximately 30 metres as a precautionary measure due to the bursting of a water connection resulting in soft underfoot condition in that section of the track.

RAFFLES (App Ajoy Roy) was fractious while being stalled.

On jumping out of the gates HILLS OF THE MOON (Akshay) swerved ‘inwards’ thereby losing some ground at the start.  Tr. Patrick Quinn was advised to give his charge adequate gate practice before accepting with it again.

Immediately after the running of the race the Stewards held an enquiry with particular reference to the fall of Jockey Afzal Khan, the rider of ch g BEETHOVEN passing the 1000 metres.  At the conclusion of the enquiry it was established that the fall was due to the positioning of the emergency false rails at the 1000 marker in that RAFFLES (App Ajoy Roy) travelling along the rails shifted ‘outwards’ carrying BERNARDINO (Shezad Khan) onto SILENCIO (Sk Israil) which bumped BEETHOVEN travelling on the far side, causing its jockey Afzal Khan to be unseated from his mount.  Subsequently the false rails were re-positioned.  Jockey Afzal Khan was examined by the Medical Officer and declared fit to ride.