It's an injustice: Morrison considers appeal against Group 2 demotion

Nearly Caught would not have lost his race in Germany on Sunday if it had been run in Britain.

That is the view of the eight-year-old's trainer Hughie Morrison after watching countless replays of the Group 2 Comer Group International 47th Oleander-Rennen at Hoppegarten.

Morrison, who was not at the meeting, is waiting on confirmation of the rules in Germany before any appeal against Nearly Caught being demoted to second after beating the favourite Sound Check by half a length under Robert Winston.

Hughie Morrison: 'It's deeply frustrating and we won the race fair and square'Credit: Edward Whitaker

"I think an injustice has been done," said Morrison on Monday. "It's deeply frustrating and we won the race fair and square.

"I understand Germany has the same rules as us and we wouldn't have lost the race here or even France as the result was not affected.

"We got first run on the favourite who was caught in a pocket two furlongs out. We drifted to the rail but were clear of the other horse at that point and he had plenty of time to get to us after being pulled out and his jockey never had to stop riding.

Race result and close-up

"Robert was easing in the last 50 yards and it's a pity we didn't win by a length but Nearly Caught was the best horse [in the race] and it's so disappointing that at the age of eight he has been robbed of his Group 2 win."

There was a double whammy in Nearly Caught losing the race as it also cost his connections an invitation to the Belmont Gold Cup in America.

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com