BHA under fire as leases allow former Phoenix horses to carry on racing

Deja: leased from Phoenix to race for Fairlawns Racing this yearCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The BHA has been urged to review a raft of lease agreements which have been used by trainers to race horses previously suspended from running due to their ownership by Phoenix Thoroughbreds and Phoenix Ladies Syndicate.

A number of horses previously listed as being owned by the group have run this month after being leased from Phoenix by their trainers, following BHA approval, and hold entries in races including the Qipco 2,000 Guineas, Matchbook Yorkshire Cup and Tote Chester Cup.

Ralph Beckett, the Classic-winning trainer, warned the leases could open up a "can of worms” and provide cover for sanctioned individuals to race horses if the scrutiny by the regulator is not sufficiently rigorous.

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Peter ScargillDeputy industry editor

Chris CookSenior writer

Published on 21 April 2021inNews

Last updated 20:51, 21 April 2021

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