The Stewards have interviewed Trainer D J Whyte regarding his application to remove the Hood and Tongue Tie and add a Crossed Nose Band to the gear of FARHH ABOVE in this race. Prior to being trained by him, FARHH ABOVE was successful at its most recent start on 7 July 2019 when carrying a Hood and Tongue Tie only. That was only the horse’s second race start.

Mr Whyte stated that FARHH ABOVE, after joining his stable, had matured and relaxed in its track work and, in particular, responded better when galloping without a Hood. After consultation with Jockey C Y Ho who rode FARHH ABOVE in its barrier trial with a Hood on 13 December 2019, Mr Whyte believed that the horse would perform better without that piece of equipment. Accordingly he had removed the Hood from FARHH ABOVE in its most recent barrier trial on 28 December 2019, and both himself and Jockey Ho, who again rode the horse in that trial, agreed that it is no longer necessary for the Hood to remain on the horse having regard to the manner in which it performed in the trial.

Having considered Mr Whyte’s application and after viewing the footage of the barrier trial conducted on 28 December 2019, the Stewards acceded to Mr Whyte’s request for the Hood and Tongue Tie to be removed from FARHH ABOVE in this race. Accordingly, FARHH ABOVE will race with a Crossed Nose Band only.