Trainer unhappy after runner hit with 'harsh' 40-day non-trier ban

Trainer Brian Barr has hit out at a "harsh" decision of the stewards at Fontwell to suspend one of his horses from running for 40 days after they deemed jockey Patrick Cowley had failed to ask his mount for a sufficient effort on Get Supreme on Tuesday.

Sent off a 33-1 chance, the eight-year-old finished fifth of nine in division two of the 2m3f handicap hurdle, beaten 27 lengths, under the 3lb claimer, with the matter referred to the head office of the BHA.

Cowley, who has ridden Get Supreme in all four starts since switching to Barr from Daniel Murphy in Ireland, was interviewed by stewards and shown recordings of the race. According to the stewards' report, the rider stated his instructions were to ride the gelding in a handier position with a view to Get Supreme finishing his race off as he had been keen at home.

2.05 Fontwell: full result and race replay

He added that from the third-last hurdle he was holding him together due to respiratory issues in the past and felt he had asked his mount for sufficient effort. Cowley also said Get Supreme may not have handled the undulating track and would recommend a step up in trip, with Barr confirming the instructions and that he was satisfied with the ride.

However, the stewards deemed Cowley had "intentionally failed to ask Get Supreme for sufficient effort" from the third-last hurdle.

Barr, who was interviewed by stewards over the telephone, told the Racing Post: "If I'm honest, I thought it was harsh. The horse had been disappointing since he had arrived from Ireland and, personally, I thought it was a big step forward.

"I spoke to Paddy this morning because I wasn't going racing and I told him to ride the horse to run well, and it was up to him whether to ride him handy or hold him up. The lad went out, rode it and ran well – it was his best run since he arrived in Britain.

"As a result we had a phone call with the stewards. It's something we're going to have to look into this morning, but it's Paddy I feel sorry for. He's a good lad and does his best for everyone, and now he's looking down the barrel of a ban."

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The Dorset-based trainer also expressed sympathy for Get Supreme's owner Alan Rogers and also called on the BHA to re-examine its rules following another incident at Southwell on June 28 when the trainer's runner Ingenuity was disqualified and he was fined £250 for Cowley weighing in 2lb light on a hot day.

"I think there's a few things around the rules that need to be looked at by the BHA. They haven't covered themselves in glory at the best of times recently," Barr added. "His owner, who pays the bill everyday, was happy and everyone was fine with the performance.

"I'll be on the phone in the morning to see if I can appeal against the 40 days, even though I'm not sure it can be overturned."

The racecourse veterinary officer reported the post-race examination revealed an abrasion to Get Supreme's right fore but no other abnormalities.

The in-running comment

Took keen hold, raced wide early, prominent, lost position 4 out, soon dropped to rear, ridden briefly after 3 out, nudged along and no impression from 2 out, never near to challenge

2.05 Fontwell: expert analysis and race replay

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