Baaeed skin condition leads to William Haggas being fined by BHA

William Haggas, trainer of Wednesday's spellbinding Juddmonte International winner Baaeed, was fined £140 before the York contest because the star horse displayed signs of a skin issue and connections did not possess the appropriate paperwork.

Officially rated the world's best horse, Baaeed, now unbeaten in ten starts, was reported to be fine on Tuesday when the Racing Post contacted Haggas, who trains the brilliant four-year-old for the Shadwell operation.

However, BHA stewards on duty at York saw fit to fine him and they noted: "The veterinary officer reported that Baaeed, trained by William Haggas, appeared to be showing signs of a skin condition and the trainer did not have a certificate of non-contagiousness.

"Haggas was fined £140 and skin scrapings from the horse were sent for analysis."

The Newmarket-based Haggas, thrilled with the fantastic effort produced by his leading light, said: "We had a scare with a veterinary issue before the race, which I'll deal with later, and those things add to the pressure."

Baaeed was not affected by any problem and paddock expert Ken Pitterson, on duty for ITV, said: "You couldn't see the rash [reported to be under his saddle] and you couldn't tell by his coat and demeanour. He was nice and relaxed and looked well.

"He was better behaved today than he was at Glorious Goodwood, when he got colty and played about. Today he was nice and calm."

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