The third home in that race, Princess Flame, attracted the attentions of the stewards, who held an enquiry into the running and riding of the Brendan-Powell trained filly.
After losing several lengths at the start, the former bumper and hurdles winner recovered to make good headway in the straight and was beginning to stay on strongly when hampered and denied a clear run around one furlong out.
That cost the mare any chance she might have had of winning but, despite her rider appearing not to be too hard on her once in the clear close home, she continued to run on strongly, leaving the impression she would have gone close with a clear run.
Having heard from trainer and jockey, and also from the veterinary officer and handicapper, the stewards were content to note their explanations.
--------------------------------------
I personally think this is very very wrong, when Wigham and co do it the book is thrown as they are well know for doing it, my question is, if this filly were to dot up next time on her handicap debut would they throw the book then at Brendan. They can't use the apparent improvement in form as it filled a place the time before, the Stewards should have taken action here I feel, and Brendan and Kylie should have been imposed big fines and bans. The horse albeit dropped in after a slow start was never asked for any effort at any stage of the race, yet was beaten 3l, pure cheating in my opinion. Brendan amy not be the type of person that does it but that horse was never put in a position to win the race and therefore I feel the stewards haven't done their job here.
Okay its been noted, but that basically means nothing will come of it.
