Jockeys were quizzed at a running and riding inquiry into a race at Ayr on Tuesday which was branded a 'total disgrace' by disgruntled punters.
The 3-1 chance Cascade Hall, one of two trained by Jim Goldie in the four-runner 1m7f handicap, set out to make all the running under 5lb claimer Lauren Young. After just three furlongs, the gelding had established a clear lead which only widened further. Once the partnership had turned into the straight, Cascade Hall never looked like being caught, with his pursuers only making marginal headway in the final three furlongs.
Cascade Hall crossed the line unchallenged to score by ten lengths from Tupero, with five lengths back to the third and a further eight and a half lengths back to the 5-4 favourite Grey Fable, who trailed in last, 23 and a half lengths off the winner.
Young received plenty of praise from punters for her winning ride. "Great ride from Lauren Young on Cascade Hall at Ayr. The rest completely misjudged it - gave the winner far too much rope and paid the price late on," said one admirer. "Cascade Hall absolutely romps from the front in the 17:00 Ayr. Fair play to jockey Lauren Young," said another.
But others were not happy with the rides given in behind by Danny Tudhope, Amie Waugh and Adam Caffrey. "All asleep behind Cascade Hall. Absolutely disgraceful," exclaimed one punter. Another said: "That last race at Ayr makes a mockery of racing." While another post said: "That Ayr race was a total disgrace."
The stewards called an inquiry into the running and riding of the three defeated horses on the basis that they "appeared to allow the eventual winner Cascade Hall, to gain a substantial lead in the back straight", their report said.
The riders were interviewed and shown recordings of the race. Tudhope stated that his instructions were to ride the race as he found it, as there was now a small field and do his best. Waugh stated her instructions were to sit where she was comfortable and ride the race as she found it. Caffrey stated his instructions were to get the gelding to settle and ride the race accordingly, but added that his mount reared as the stalls opened, giving away many lengths, a fact which he reported at scales.
Tudhope added that as they went round the stands bend, Young on the eventual winner Cascade Hall, quickened the pace, at which point he found himself behind the bridle and flat out. He further stated that having asked his mount to go forward from the bend leaving the back straight, he was unable to make sufficient inroads on the winner, which won 10 lengths comfortably.
Waugh stated that turning down the back straight her mount was off the bridle and unable to go any faster. She also added that having asked her mount for an effort turning into the home straight, her mount was also unable to close sufficiently on the winner.
Caffrey added that he also was unable to go any faster leaving the back straight and as he had given away so much ground at the start, he was unable to make up any ground on Cascade Hall.
Their explanations were "noted" by the stewards.
