Jockeys banned after taking wrong course
Crosse was aboard Auburn Spirit and O’Brien was riding Limerick Leader in the four-mile event when they, along with Antony Evans on Jiver, bypassed the water jump on the second circuit.
The fence had been dolled off the first time around, but it was in use for the second circuit and the stewards promptly called an inquiry after the race.
Stipendiary steward Simon Cowley told At The Races: “It was dolled off in accordance with Jockey Club instructions - they are not allowed to jump the water as the first fence in a chase.
“The jockeys were all aware of this, it was clearly posted on the weighing room map so no-one was in any doubt as to what they should do.
“As they went round, it was well dolled off on the first circuit and there were no problems. Most of the jockeys had no problem on the second circuit and they took it as it was presented to them to be jumped.
“Three horses appeared to go round it for no obvious reason so the stewards inquired and asked those jockeys to explain why they did that.
“In the case of David Crosse, he made a report to the effect his horse lost his action and just clipped the rail before the water jump and that’s why he pulled the horse up.
“The stewards took account of that but unfortunately, from video evidence, they couldn’t give him the benefit of the doubt. They felt he had still taken the wrong course.
