Simple Verse重新取回聖烈治頭馬
Simple Verse reinstated as St Leger winner
Connections of Simple Verse have won their appeal against the demotion of the filly from first place in the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster.
A disciplinary panel of the British Horseracing Authority reversed the decision of the local stewards to promote the Aidan O'Brien-trained Bondi Beach into top spot in the final Classic of the season on September 12.
A stewards' inquiry was called on the day as the pair appeared to bump twice in the closing stages and there was only a head between them at the line. Following a tense wait, during which jockey Andrea Atzeni and Bondi Beach's rider Colm O'Donoghue argued their respective cases in front of the stewards live on Channel 4, the announcement was made that Simple Verse had been placed second.
The decision shocked her trainer Ralph Beckett, owners Qatar Racing and Atzeni. Straight away they announced their intention to appeal.
Beckett and Atzeni were supported at the hearing at High Holborn in London by David Redvers, racing manager for the owners, Graeme McPherson QC, instructing solicitor Andrew Chalk and Qatar Racing representatives John Maxse and Kevin Darley.
O'Brien and O'Donoghue represented Bondi Beach alongside John Kelsey-Fry QC and instructing solicitor Kevin Power.
Beckett and Qatar Racing are also currently involved in a high-profile hearing with the Illinois Racing Board across the Atlantic in an attempt to have Secret Gesture reinstated as the winner of the Beverly D. Stakes following her relegation to third place at Arlington Park in Chicago.
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