Simple Verse reinstated as 2015 Ladbrokes St Leger champion

Simple Verse returns to the winners’ enclosure at the Ladbrokes St Leger. Image courtesy of Racingfotos.com.

Connections of Simple Verse have won their appeal against the demotion of the filly from first place in the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster.

A disciplinary panel of the British Horseracing Authority reversed the decision of the local stewards to promote the Aidan O’Brien-trained Bondi Beach into top spot in the final Classic of the season on September 12.

A stewards’ inquiry was called on the day as the pair appeared to bump twice in the closing stages and there was only a head between them at the line. Following a tense wait, during which jockey Andrea Atzeni and Bondi Beach’s rider Colm O’Donoghue argued their respective cases in front of the stewards live on Channel 4, the announcement was made that Simple Verse had been placed second.

Beckett and Atzeni were supported at the hearing at High Holborn in London by David Redvers, racing manager for the owners, Graeme McPherson QC, instructing solicitor Andrew Chalk and Qatar Racing representatives John Maxse and Kevin Darley.

O’Brien and O’Donoghue represented Bondi Beach alongside John Kelsey-Fry QC and instructing solicitor Kevin Power.

Beckett and Qatar Racing are also currently involved in a high-profile hearing with the Illinois Racing Board across the Atlantic in an attempt to have Secret Gesture reinstated as the winner of the Beverly D. Stakes following her relegation to third place at Arlington Park in Chicago

Simple Verse is likely to be next seen on QIPCO British Champions Day, where she could feature in the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup and QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes.

To book your place at QIPCO British Champions Day 2015, head to the ticketing website.