Sunday, 4 September 2011
Hoof it Appeal?
Connections of Hoof It are considering launching an appeal after he finished an unlucky third in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday.
The Mick Easterby-trained sprinter, jointly owned by golfer Lee Westwood and his agent Chubby Chandler, was a nose and a head behind the winner, Dream Ahead, and runner-up Bated Breath.
Easterby's four-year-old was, however, forced left inside the final furlong by Dream Ahead, after which a protracted stewards' inquiry was called.
The placings remained unaltered, but Easterby may still contest the decision.
He said: "I thought he was very unlucky, and we are considering appealing.
"There was definitely interference, and the stewards said they couldn't be certain the interference affected the result.
"But when you are talking in terms of a head and a nose, it is very, very harsh.
"The stewards have been a bit timid, for me, but on the other hand, I wouldn't want to be a steward."
Easterby added that Hoof It was unlikely to run in the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup and could go to France for the Prix de l'Abbaye and to Ascot for the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes.
A run at the Breeders' Cup is also not on the agenda, as the trainer would prefer to wait a year.