BHA 'remains disappointed' over Alphonse Le Grande result as written reasons are published

The BHA has backed the original decision by the Whip Review Committee (WRC) to disqualify Alphonse Le Grande from last month’s Cesarewitch, with the sport’s governing body saying it was “disappointed” with the decision to overturn the finding on appeal last week.

Alphonse Le Grande was first past the post at Newmarket but jockey Jamie Powell had his ride referred to the WRC. The horse was disqualified three days later after the WRC deemed Powell had used his whip ten times, four above the permitted level.

Connections appealed against the WRC’s conclusion and the disciplinary panel overturned the decision following a three-hour hearing last week. The panel determined that, while Powell’s whip had connected with Alphonse Le Grande ten times, the final connection was not intended as it came when the whip was drawn back across the horse’s hindquarters and therefore did not constitute a ‘use’ of the whip.

The decision to reinstate Alphonse Le Grande as the winner at the expense of Manxman drew criticism from the beaten horse’s joint-trainer Simon Crisford, who said: “People need clarity. They need to know what the rules are.”

Following the publication of the disciplinary panel’s written reasons on Wednesday, the BHA threw its full support behind the WRC but said it would consider whether the verdict would have any implications for the whip rules.

In a statement, a BHA spokesman said: “Having received the panel’s written reasons following last week’s appeal hearing, the BHA remains disappointed by this outcome and firmly of the opinion that the Whip Review Committee’s original ruling was correct.

“In reviewing more than 1,200 referrals since the introduction of the rules, and more than 1,500 including the bedding-in period, the highly skilled and experienced individuals who sit on the Whip Review Committee have demonstrated tremendous consistency in their rulings. 

“This has provided a clarity for jockeys that has aided in bringing down the rate of offending since the rules were implemented. The BHA will now consider what, if any, implications there are for the rules as constituted as a result of this decision.”

Read these next:

Cesarewitch to be celebrated in Cheltenham as appeals panel sensationally gives prize back to Alphonse Le Grande 

Proper clarity is needed for whip rules to prevent a repeat of ludicrous Cesarewitch hokey cokey 

BHA defends whip rule procedure in wake of Alphonse Le Grande Cesarewitch disqualification 

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