THE British Horseracing Authority has declined to confirm reports that Balnaslow is set to be disqualified from first place in the 2018 Foxhunters’ Chase at Aintree’s Grand National Festival.

Co Antrim trainer Graham McKeever sent the 11-year-old over to win the prestigious contest but the owner of the runner-up Bear’s Affair has told journalists he understands the result is set to be reversed. The rumour has been circulating in Irish racing for several months.

George Barlow, who was speaking to reporters after another of his horses, Beware The Bear, scored at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, said: “We were second in the Foxhunters’ (with Bear’s Affair). The Irish horse is being thrown out, apparently. But I haven’t officially been told. It’s common knowledge in the racing world but they haven’t actually told me. I might get a letter any day. I’ve been waiting 230 days for the official result.”

The British Horseracing Authority have adopted its usual policy of not commenting on cases which have yet to be heard but it is understood that the horse tested positive for a prohibited substance.

Partnered as usual by Derek O’Connor, Balnaslow finished strongly to take the two-mile, five-furlong contest at Aintree, going one better than his previous attempt the year before. The then 11-year-old was a very popular and poignant winner on the day, as his previous owner. Peggy Hagan, had died just six months earlier.