While Paul King received praise from connections for his bold ride on Lovethebeaches to win the Stayers Cup at Randwick, the jockeys who finished behind him have been grilled by stewards.

Midway through the gruelling 3200m race, Lovethebeaches was around 30 lengths in front.

She held on to win Saturday's $100,000 race by five lengths.

Stewards called the other seven jockeys to an inquiry to ask why they had let the leader get so far in front.

"We are wondering why you didn't hit the panic button," Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy told the riders.

"When a horse is that far in front you need to get going. Paul King's ride is the perfect tempo, the rest of you not so."

Senior jockey Christian Reith finished fifth on the second favourite Jo Jo Girl, 6-1/2 lengths from the winner.

"I understand why you are asking the questions," he said.

"But what happens if the leader falls in a hole at the 600 (metres) and runs 20 lengths last."

Murrihy said the jockeys should have been aware of the slow place of the first half of the race.

The inquiry has been adjourned while stewards further examine the sectional times.

Apart from the Group One Sydney Cup, the Stayers Cup is the only race over 3200m in Sydney.