Karl Burke blasts 'ridiculous' prize-money delay after disqualification

Karl Burke has hit out at the BHA over the delay in payment of prize-money after his runner Kelly's Dino was awarded the Rosebery Handicap 15 months after the completion of the Kempton contest.

A urine sample taken from first-past-the-post Crowned Eagle was found to contain Atenolol – a prohibited substance in a horse's system on raceday – and he was on Thursday disqualified after a disciplinary hearing.

No penalty was imposed on trainer Marco Botti but the winning prize-money will be repaid.

Kelly's Dino is part-owned by Burke's wife, along with Liam Kelly, and the trainer expressed his frustration with the delayed payment for a race which took place on March 31, 2018. He said: "This has dragged on a long time and it’s been ridiculous.

Crowned Eagle won the Rosebery Handicap in 2018 but was subsequently disqualifiedCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"If a horse fails two tests it is automatically disqualified, whatever the penalty – or not – for the trainer. So why not pay the money?

"It’s just short of £22,000 everybody has been missing out on, the owner, the jockey and the staff as well as the trainer. Apparently they are going to change it so they don’t have to wait for the inquiry to pay the money and it’s about time.

"Thankfully we should get it in the next few days and Kelly’s Dino could go to Haydock as I’m thinking of running him in the Old Newton Cup next Saturday."

Kelly's Dino: initially finished second to Crowned Eagle in the 2018 RoseberyCredit: Mark Cranham

A BHA spokesperson said: "There was a dispute in this case regarding the reallocation of prize-money which required the consideration of the panel during the hearing. Prize-money cannot be reallocated without an order from the disciplinary panel.

"The case worked its way through the investigation and compliance stages and was charged in October 2018, but there was a considerable amount of back and forth between Mr Botti’s legal team and the BHA regarding the scientific aspects of the case following post-charge submissions by Mr Botti.

"We must ensure those charged with a breach of the rules have every available opportunity to state their case in the interests of procedural fairness. While this can sometimes cause a delay it is a fundamental principle of our disciplinary system that those involved are treated as fairly as they possibly can be."

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