Nine apprentice jockeys may have escaped bans after a lengthy stewards' inquiry into an amazing finale at Wolverhampton on Wednesday but that may not be the end of the matter, according to chief steward Greg Pearson.
Dylan Hogan rode his weighing-room colleagues to sleep with an enterprising front-running ride on emphatic winner Wanaasah in a remarkable race that prompted an immediate inquiry into the running and riding of the beaten horses – with all riders indicating they considered the early pace to be very quick and unsustainable.
With the exception of William Carver, who suffered interference on favourite Purdey's Gift, the riders felt that no horse would have finished closer had they been asked to quicken from further out with stewards noting their explanations.
Afterwards, Pearson said: "We heard lengthy evidence from all the riders of the beaten horses. The explanations were noted but that does not mean the case is closed.
"There will be a thorough analysis of the sectional times and betting patterns on the race later this week by the BHA integrity department."
The David Loughnane-trained Wanaasah, sent off at 12-1, was trying the trip for the first time but Hogan rode her with no doubts over her stamina.
Heading out for the final circuit, Wanaasah was around 15 lengths clear of Fearless Warrior in second, while the rest of the ten-runner field were a similar distance behind Fearless Warrior.
At the half-mile pole Wanaasah still possessed a huge advantage and it soon became apparent she would not be caught.
Hogan looked over his shoulder in the home straight approaching the furlong marker and the pair were eight lengths clear, eventually sealing a five-and-a-half-length victory over Fearless Warrior. There was 11 lengths back to Dance To Paris in third.
Hogan, who was riding for Loughnane for the first time, said: "Fair play to David [Loughnane] who told me to jump out – he said I might think I'm going too quick but I won’t be as she stays well. I had a look behind at the four-furlong marker and knew I wasn't going to be caught. She is as game as they come.
"I went a good gallop but she kept at it and the moment I asked her for more she was relentless. She's very genuine. I was surprised the others didn't come after me earlier."
'Very enterprising'
For Loughnane it was a double on the card and the Shropshire trainer was certainly impressed with Hogan. Speaking on Sky Sports Racing he said: "She's got one gear and is so genuine. She has great stamina and if she was bigger she'd be going jumping.
"I said to Dylan I'll take the blame if she gets beat as everyone who has rode her has come back in and said they haven't gone quick enough.
"It was the first time Dylan has ridden for me and he did everything he was told. I can't fault him – it was a great ride and very enterprising."
The winner, owned by Kulbir Sohi, is entered in a 1m6f handicap at the same track on Sunday, in which she would not be penalised for winning this apprentice handicap.
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