CONNECTIONS of Alphonse Le Grande have submitted appeals against the horse’s disqualification from the Cesarewitch at Newmarket.

Trained by Cathy O’Leary and ridden by apprentice Jamie Powell, the gelding was first past the post in last Saturday’s big race, repelling the challenge of Manxman by a nose.

It soon became evident Powell may have breached the whip regulations though, with the case referred to Tuesday’s meeting of the British Horseracing Authority’s Whip Review Committee [WRC].

The WRC concluded Powell had hit his horse 10 times, four strikes above the permitted level and the trigger for automatic disqualification from the race, with Powell also banned for 28 days.

O’Leary, Powell and owners the Bet Small Win Big Syndicate will all contest those penalties at a hearing on a date yet to be decided.

BHA statement

Separately the British Horseracing Authority issued a statement on Friday, responding to criticism received over its handling of the matter and the application in general of the whip rules.

“Contrary to the opinion of some, we stand up for this sport,” the BHA said. “We would reiterate firmly that the use of the whip is appropriate, where strict controls are in place. The whip is padded and shock absorbent. But we also have a duty to acknowledge that the science around its impact is inconclusive.”

The BHA also stressed the importance of public perception and racing’s social licence. “This is not about pandering to critics who will never support the sport, but addressing the concerns of our current and future fans. It is an issue which is already affecting the sport, its fanbase and engagement. The use of the whip in racing remains one of the primary barriers to engagement.”

It quoted results from surveys conducted by national polling agencies over the past 10 years which, as per the BHA, “clearly indicated shifting perceptions related to the sport’s place in society and the role of the whip in the sport”.

In relation to the impact being made by the new rules, which include the threat of disqualification, the BHA said: “Since the introduction of the new whip rules, the vast majority of jockeys have adapted well. Their ability to adjust their riding styles, while maintaining competitive performance, is commendable. Many jockeys will have ridden many times with very few or, in many cases, no breaches of the rules. However, breaches do still occur, and when they do, the BHA must act decisively. The penalties are firm. We acknowledge this. We appreciate the impact on jockeys. But history and data show us that firm deterrents are needed in this area of the rules to prevent breaches.

“Disqualification is the most severe penalty available, and it is reserved for the most serious breaches. The decision to disqualify Alphonse Le Grande was not taken lightly. The whip was used four times above the permitted limit, for which there is no justification.”

On the policy of delaying disqualification until some days after the race, the BHA said: “After the initial recommendations from the Whip Consultation Steering Group were published, further consultations and technical discussions took place with various stakeholders, including jockeys, participants, customers, bookmakers, and racing broadcasters. A prevailing consensus emerged from these discussions that decisions on whip rule breaches should not be made on raceday. This was especially supported by the betting industry domestically and internationally, as well as by racing broadcasters.

“By removing these decisions from raceday, the Whip Review Committee (WRC) can ensure a consistent process and approach to decision-making. The whip review consultation showed a clear majority view that there needs to be greater consistency. The WRC is a small group of people, reviewing rides on a regular basis. We have huge faith in our raceday stewards, but through this system consistency is inevitably increased.

“This process also allows for checks and balances, such as determining whether the whip made contact, whether its use was for safety reasons, or if a particular usage should be counted, using a consistent methodology. This has proven vital in several cases, where potential incorrect disqualifications were avoided because the WRC found that certain whip uses should not be counted. A ride being wrongly disqualified would be a terrible outcome.”

TONY Martin hopes to formally resume control of his training operation after this weekend. He was suspended in May for three months over a doping offence and the penalty was extended for a further two months following a well-publicised incident at Newcastle in June. The suspension ended last Tuesday. In the meantime Martin’s Co Meath yard has been stewarded by his sister, Cathy O’Leary.

Yesterday Martin told The Irish Field: “This week’s entries were made in Cathy’s name and I am in the process of making the necessary changes. We should know a lot more by Monday morning and hopefully the entries will be in my name in the near future.”

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