Hoof It camp consider appeal
Connections of Hoof It are considering launching an appeal after he finished an unlucky third in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday.
The Mick Easterby-trained sprinter, jointly-owned by golfer Lee Westwood and his agent, Chubby Chandler, was a nose and a head behind the winner, Dream Ahead, and runner-up Bated Breath.
Easterby’s four-year-old was, however, forced left inside the final furlong by Dream Ahead, after which a protracted stewards’ inquiry was called.
The placings remained unaltered, but Easterby may still contest the decision.
He said: “I thought he was very unlucky, and we are considering appealing.
“There was definitely interference, and the stewards said they couldn’t be certain the interference affected the result.
“But when you are talking in terms of a head and a nose, it is very, very harsh.
“The stewards have been a bit timid, for me, but, on the other hand, I wouldn’t want to be a steward.”
Of the possibility of Hoof It running in the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup, in which he would carry top weight of 10st 5lb, on Saturday week, Easterby added: “I haven’t made my mind up yet.”
