After holding a running and riding enquiry into the Norman Lee-trained and Danny Mullins-ridden Bashful Beauty, who finished seventh to It’s All An Act, the stewards referred the matter on to the Turf Club having considered the trainer to have made a serious allegation during the course of the enquiry.

In his evidence Danny Mullins stated that he was given specific instructions not to ask his mount at his hurdles, leave him on the bridle – as he goes better that way - ride him with his heels, keep the bit up in his mouth and a hold of his head for as long as possible as he does not go for a drive.

Mullins stated that he rode exactly to instructions but in a fast early pace he was unable to lie up, missed some hurdles, squeezed his mount up from the fourth last and slapped him early in the straight but on getting no response he left him alone in the closing stages. He added that he told the trainer post-race that his mount was dead in running and never travelled.

Norman Lee agreed with the account of the instructions as given by the rider but in his opinion he felt that Mullins failed to ride his charge with determination and in doing so failed to obtain his best possible placing.

After considering the evidence the stewards found that the trainer had made a serious allegation.

One-day ban

SHANE Shortall picked up a one-day after weighing in 1.6lb heavy on Bank The Bucks who chased home It’s All An Act in the second of the handicap hurdles.