Stewards Enquires/Reports Southwell, 11 November 2013 2.05, fourth race The Stewards held an enquiry into the running and riding of EMRAL SILK, ridden by Jonathan England and trained by Sue Smith, which was settled midfield until leaving the back straight where he became detached, eventually finishing seventh, beaten 42 lengths. They interviewed the rider and the trainer. They also received a report from the Veterinary Officer. The rider stated that his instructions were to sit handy, give EMRAL SILK some light and make the best of his way home. He added that the gelding did not jump well and was flat out. The trainer confirmed these instructions and stated that she was happy with the ride given. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race the Stewards found the rider in breach of Rule (B)59.2 and the trainer in breach of Rule (C)45.4, in that they were guilty of schooling and conditioning the horse on the racecourse. They suspended the rider for 18 days as follows: Monday 25 November to Saturday 30 November inclusive and Sunday 1 December to Thursday 12 December 2013 inclusive, this being his second offence within a period of twelve to twenty four months. They fined the trainer £3,000 and suspended the horse from running in any race for 40 days from Thursday 14 November to Monday 23 December 2013 inclusive. Emral Silk won on the 1st January 2014 @16/1
Too true Dan. It's hard to know what was going on in the county hurdle, it won pulling double aswell. There was definitely something untoward going on there. It is the higher grade handicaps, like at Cheltenham when the prize money is huge that the fiddling goes on. I actually find the lower grade handicaps more reliable to follow the form. I think Nicky Hendersons reputation will always be tainted because he chose to do it in one of the biggest races of the year with Binocular, by ruling the horse out and then allowing layers to lay the horse at 999/1. I'd imagine anyone who layed those odds would want to kill Nicky Henderson It's a little like Jim Bolger on the flat, nobody will forgive him or give New Approach any credit for his victory in the Derby. Il stand up for Bolger though, as I lumped on New Approach when he was a confirmed runner. It's amazing how much pocket talk sways your opinions of people
Very true that Shergar, I also love New Approach as I told everyone that he would win the Derby and got a cracking price
In fairness I wasn't really thinking of those episdoes for the purpose of this discussion. In terms of Mr H it's more the having horses pull up and then romp home at massive prices at the big festivals. I can wholeheartedly agree with your final sentence though!
