Shes Perfect camp lodge appeal against French 1,000 Guineas demotion

An appeal against the demotion of Shes Perfect from first in the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches has been lodged by connections of the filly, who are now awaiting a date for the hearing.

Shes Perfect was first past the post in Sunday’s French Classic, sparking wild celebrations from her owners, the Basher Watts Racing syndicate, having held off favourite Zarigana by a nose.

However, the jubilant scenes quickly turned to frustration and anger after stewards at Longchamp deemed Shes Perfect had caused interference that had prevented Zarigana from getting a clear run and cost her victory.

James ‘Basher’ Watts, the social media influencer who runs the Shes Perfect syndicate, indicated plans to appeal immediately after the race, with the final decision having been due to be made following further discussions with the filly’s trainer, Charlie Fellowes. 

Asked if the appeal had been made, Fellowes said: “Yes, we have lodged an appeal. No date has been set yet.”

Charlie Fellowes: trainer of Shes Perfect

The Racing Post has contacted France Galop to confirm receipt of the appeal and to ask if a hearing date had been set by the organisation.

The appeal against the decision to demote Shes Perfect will focus on the extent of the interference caused to Zarigana, and the strikes made by jockey Mickael Barzalona with his hand to the filly’s neck in the closing stages after he had dropped his whip.

Stewards at Longchamp had determined that Shes Perfect, ridden by Kieran Shoemark, had interfered with Exactly who had, in turn, interfered with Zarigana before the final furlong.

Replays of the finish also showed Barzalona dropping his whip having used it twice on the promoted winner. The Derby-winning rider, who is in his first season as retained jockey for Zarigana’s owners, the Aga Khan Stud, then slapped his right hand more than ten times on the filly’s neck to encourage her in the finish.

Mickael Barzalona used his hand to encourage Zarigana in the finish to the French 1,000 GuineasCredit: At The Races

Under the rules of racing in France, jockeys are permitted to use their whip four times in a race. If the whip is used more than nine times, this can result in disqualification.

However, France Galop has stated the rules only regulate the use of the whip and not use of the hand for encouragement during a race.

Read more:

Heartbreak for Kieran Shoemark as French 1,000 Guineas win on Shes Perfect is overturned by stewards 

Shes Perfect owner defends 'fantastic rider and person' Kieran Shoemark after jockey is subject to online abuse 

Shes Perfect team set to appeal against French Guineas demotion after calling winner's ride 'unacceptable' and 'not a good image' 

It wasn't just interference that cost Zarigana the French Guineas - and that's the key point for Shes Perfect's appeal

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