Random searches justifiable whatever the fixture, says BHA

The BHA said yesterday random checks of bags brought into racecourse stables were justifiable regardless of the importance of the race meeting after criticism from Hugo Palmer about the handling of incidents at Ascot on Champions Day.

Palmer was one of four trainers, who also included Almanzor's trainer Jean-Clauge Rouget, referred to BHA head office for potential further action after the discovery of substances which should not have been present in the stables following inspections at Ascot on Saturday.

The incidents were flagged up in stewards' reports and on Channel 4, although the BHA said these were "innocuous cases" and the substances involved were mostly electrolytes, but Palmer queried why it was necessary on such an important occasion.