A trainer has taken steps to end ongoing speculation about why he withdrew a wanted horse from a race. Richard Hughes had Ballarat Bertie handicapped at Kempton on Monday, the horse having undergone surgery on his winds after three unplaced runs.
He was backed on the betting market before the race, which saw his odds fall from 14-1 to 3-1. But he was later declared a non-runner on a self-certification, with Hughes citing “owner unable to run” as the reason.
Although unusual, any reason given on the self-certification other than that relating to prize money is acceptable under BHA rules, although the horse is suspended from racing in Britain for seven days.
The non-runner was reported on social media by At The Races whistleblower and racehorse owner Hugh Taylor.
He continued to write He added: “Nothing more on the BHA/stewards websites so unless I’ve missed something does this mean ‘owner cannot run’ is a legitimate reason for self-certification?” “Ballarat Bertie has entered Wolverhampton next Monday after the mandatory 7 days rest btw.”
Taylor’s final message was answered by Hughes who replied: “That’s enough, the owner was on his way to watch his horse race, got stuck near Bicester on the M40 (check traffic reports) took 12 seconds and was very pleased with the prize. He always travels to see his horses.
I respected his wishes by taking his horse with me – it’s that simple!”
Taylor replied: “Fair enough, but the fact that the owner is allowed to withdraw a horse from the race because it cannot race is new to me, as I said in my message, and I’m sure you can understand why some would do it. I think it sets a dangerous precedent.
