The race was run at the unusually early time of 2.25pm to avoid a clash with the opening game of the 1996 European Football Championship, which featured the England national football team, leading some commentators to claim that the race lacked its usual atmosphere and sense of occasion. Shaamit was the sixth choice in the betting, with Dushyantor being sent off the 9/2 favourite in a field of twenty runners.
The race began at an unusually early time of 14:25 to avoid a conflict with the start of the 1996 European Football Championship. This scheduling decision led some commentators to remark that the event lacked its customary atmosphere and significance. Shaamit was the sixth choice in the betting, while Dushyantor was favored at odds of 9/2.