THE BHA are set to look into the circumstances surrounding the running of The Young Master in the Badger Ales Trophy after it was found that the first horse to pass the post was not qualified for the race.
The Young Master was sent off a 13-2 chance for the race but after he came home seven lengths in front of Court By Surprise it emerged that he should not have been allowed to run.
Race conditions for the Badger Ales Trophy state that as a novice The Young Master needed to have had three runs over fences to take part. He had only had two previous to this race.
The BHA tweeted: "We have been made aware of the potential issue surrounding the eligibility of The Young Master to compete in the Badger Ales Trophy.
"BHA will now take steps to look into the issue. If it is the case that the horse was ineligible an objection can be lodged.
"Any objection would be considered by a disciplinary panel. BHA will also take steps to ascertain how the situation was able to arise."
Neil Mulholland, trainer of the contentious winner, said :"My owner Mike Burbidge is definitely not happy about the situation and he is going to consider legal action if the race is taken away.
"As for myself I am in total shock and I have no further comment to make until the outcome of all this is known."
Emma Lavelle, trainer of the second home Court By Surprise, said: "We've had a chat about it and in fairness we're not going to object. It's up to Weatherbys and the BHA to correct it.
"It's not about objecting. It shouldn't be down to us, it is down to them."
www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/the...-ales-farce/1750513/
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