When questioned in regards to the performance of short priced favourite DIVINE STATE, driver C GEARY explained he went into the race very confident given the horses previous performances. He said although his early sectionals were quick he was not concerned and the horse travelled well in the middle stages. He added, approaching the 500 metres he expected the horse to respond as per usual, however, he immediately realised it was under pressure and at that stage he tapped it up and pulled its gear. He further stated that he applied some pressure rounding the turn, however as he was concerned for the horse he allowed it to run to the line under its own steam. A post-race veterinary examination found the horse to be very distressed with a delayed recovery, high temperature and a high heart rate. Trainer S TRITTON expressed his disappointment with the performance of the horse and his concerns with the manner in which it appeared post-race. He added it was his intention to take blood from the horse for testing and would advised of the outcome. On Monday morning (27th March), he advised the horse appeared to be doing better, however the test results were no back at that stage. Connections were advised a veterinary clearance of fitness will be required prior to the horse racing again and pending the results of the blood test, further embargoes may be placed on the horse.
Post-race samples were taken from the winner CASTALONG SHADOW, the second placed MACKERAL and the un-placed favourite DIVINE STATE.