'I think it was a dead-heat' - trainer ponders appeal against contentious photo

Trainer Brian Barr is considering an appeal over the defeat of Anniemation in a photo-finish that he believes was a dead-heat.

After a lengthy wait, the four-year-old was deemed to have finished behind the Ivan Furtado-trained Crazy Spin in division two of the mile handicap at Chelmsford, and the official print of the finish created a stir on social media.

3.00 Chelmsford: full result and race replay

"I think it was a dead-heat – I personally couldn't pick a winner," said Barr. "I was surprised he didn't call it. Jess, who does the travelling for me, is at Chelmsford and she went to the stewards and they said there was a pixel in it.

"I haven't spoken to anyone yet who can say it's not a dead-heat. Until someone can show me evidence of him being beaten then I'll look to appeal it on Monday, I'll argue a case anyway."

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Crazy Spin and Anniemation approach the finishing line at Chelmsford

Crazy Spin and Anniemation shortly after the post

Barr acknowledged the fact the judge has access to more technology than the print published demonstrates and expressed his delight at the horse's performance.

He added: "When the horse came to us he was badly out of form for his previous trainer and he's made massive strides in the last few weeks, and he's run well again so that's a positive to take out of the race."

Dead-heat? Punters complain about judge's dark decision on Cheltenham photo

Jones makes it third time lucky

Cheveley Park Stud's red, white and blue silks were carried to a dominant victory at Cheltenham last month when Allaho bolted up in the Ryanair Chase and Inigo Jones produced a similar performance, albeit at a more modest level, in the 1m2f maiden.

Richard Kingscote allowed the enthusiastic three-year-old to go into a clear lead in the early stages and, despite being challenged by odds-on favourite Highland Rocker in the straight, the winner scored in commanding style and took a full circuit to pull up.

The colt is out of the top-class Spacious and named after the famous architect and, in recording his first victory on his third start, he begins his three-year-old season on solid foundations.

Results, replays and analysis

Read more from the racecourse:

Anthony Oppenheimer: Megallan is a pretty good horse and he'll be better on turf

Sam Thomas: we're lucky to train some incredible horses and it's been fantastic

Madgwick 'over the moon' with 100-1 winner – and 125-1 shot scores at Wincanton

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