There was a controversial climax to the Bank Of Ireland Tracker Bond Handicap Chase at Cork on Saturday, with the runners divided between the hurdle and chase courses crossing the line after the final fence had been omitted.

The problem was caused by the fatal injury to Astings after the line on the first circuit, with the 10-year-old being destroyed immediately after shattering a leg when slipping on the flat. The remaining runners were waved wide of the last fence onto the run-in of the hurdle course in order to avoid the stricken horse.

An Oon Iss An Owl, who landed in front over the previous fence, raced clear on the hurdle track for a seven-length success from Oakler, who finished on the chase course. All bar Triptodicks (fourth) and Young Dubliner (10th ) of the remaining runners switched back to the chase course after avoiding the final fence. A number of riders later reported that they switched back to the chase track because the horse ambulance was obstructing the hurdle course.

A prolonged stewards' inquiry ensued while both punters and bookmakers offered varying opinions of what should or shouldn't happen. In view of the obstructions on both courses, and the fact that no horse gained a material advantage after bypassing the last, the stewards eventually decided to let the judge's placings stand. However, they noted that the bypassing procedures were not fully carried out in terms of the instructions, and referred the matter on to the Appeals and Referrals Committee.

The remainder of the meeting appeared quite humdrum in comparison, although the Pat Hughes-trained Jazz King landed a tidy gamble in the Sand And Gravel Products Maiden Hurdle.