Horse Racing: Club to rule on Cricket withdrawal
The controversial withdrawal of top-weight Lady Cricket from the Grand Annual Chase at Cheltenham has been referred to the Jockey Club.
The stewards will look into the circumstances which saw the Martin Pipe-trained mare pulled out of the race with a vet certificate, 24 hours after she finished second in the Mildmay Of Flete Chase.
Her declaration for the £60,000 Grand Annual - before Wednesday’s racing - prevented the weights rising at the overnight stage, leaving 13 of the 22 runners out of the handicap and stablemate Exit Swinger to carry 11st rather than 11st 10lb.
An inquiry was held at Cheltenham under instruction H21, which deals with the withdrawal of top-weights in Class A or B handicaps over jumps.
At the hearing, the stewards noted Pipe’s explanation and they will forward his comments to Portman Square.
Jockey Club stewards then have the power to require a vet to examine Lady Cricket.
After the investigation is completed, Pipe may be referred to the disciplinary committee if it is found he has a case to answer.
Cheltenham stewards secretary Simon Cowley said: ‘‘Martin Pipe was interviewed by the stewards and his comments were forwarded to the stewards of the Jockey Club.
‘‘Also forwarded was the vet’s certificate which was submitted.’’
