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OPTIMUM (App Sujit Kr Paswan) arrived late to the start thereby delaying the proceedings of the race. Tr. Vikash Jaiswal was advised to ensure that his charge arrives on time in future.

Jockey Imran Chisty, the rider of MIDNIGHT MAGIC making progress along the rails, reported that he had to severely check his mount and lose ground approaching the 800 metres when LOOKING GOOD (Sk Israil) momentarily shifted ‘in’. He further stated that but for this incident his mount would have performed much better. At a subsequent enquiry Jockey Sk Israil admitted that he did move ‘inwards’ marginally, however, opined that there was adequate space for Jockey Imran Chisty and MIDNIGHT MAGIC to continue with their run along the rails. The Stipendiary Stewards interviewed Mr. Manvendra Singh, trainer of MIDNIGHT MAGIC, to ascertain his opinion on the riding and running of his charge. The trainer stated that he would give the Jockey the benefit of doubt as his observation from the CCTV replay of the race could not clearly establish whether there was adequate room between LOOKING GOOD and the inner rail. The Stipendiary Stewards after due deliberation decided to take no further action other than informing Jockey Imran Chisty that they would be closely monitoring his riding in future.

At an enquiry held immediately after the race as to the reason why Jockey Afzal Khan, the rider of ARTISTE ROYAL, travelled very wide of the field while negotiating the bend, the Jockey stated that he had travelled wide as the gelding best raced from that position and further due to the wet condition of the track he kept his mount away from the inner rail. Mr. Shafiq Khan, trainer of the gelding stated that Mr. Afzal Khan could have raced much closer to the field and he was also of the opinion that the Jockey had dropped his hands well before passing the winning post. The Stipendiary Stewards not being satisfied with the explanation tendered by Jockey Afzal Khan, fined him a sum of Rs. 15,000/- for travelling unnecessarily wide for no apparent reason while negotiating the bend.

The Veterinary Officer reported that AMARANTHUS returned bleeding from nostrils and cut injuries on right hind (hock & fetlock). Tr. R W Alford was informed not to accept with his charge until certified fit by the Veterinary Officer.