Gordon Elliott rails against 'barbaric' decision as controversial result stands
Gordon Elliott blasted a "barbaric" decision by the stewards not to award his runner Folcano victory at Navan on Friday after he had been continually impeded by first-past-the-post Brazos.
While Elliott was unhappy at the stewards' decision following the nose defeat in the 2m4f maiden hurdle, former champion jockey Ruby Walsh expressed his disbelief after the result was not amended when speaking in his role as a pundit on Racing TV.
"Is there any other sport in the world where the fouled doesn't get the free [kick]? It just beggars belief," he said.
Brazos drifted significantly to his right from the final hurdle, carrying Folcano to the centre of the track, eventually prevailing by a nose. A stewards' inquiry was called but it was deemed that Brazos had not improved his placing despite causing such interference.
Walsh argued Kevin Brouder had caused Brazos to drift by not switching his whip and as a result the Jack Kennedy-ridden runner-up had suffered in the closing stages.
He said: "In order for Kevin Brouder not to cause interference he has to pull the rein with his left hand, and to me he did not do so. To me, he has not made any effort to keep his horse straight and has allowed the interference to take place."
Watch: a controversial finish to the first division of the maiden hurdle
After landing the second division of the maiden hurdle with Gars De Sceaux, Elliott launched a stinging attack at what he deemed to be the inadequacies of the stewarding.
"The horse got a bump, he was only beaten a nose. I think the consistency of these stewards' inquiries at the moment is just barbaric," he said. "It's disappointing for the owners and he will have other days, but I don't know what you have to do to get a race – you nearly have to put a horse out through the rail.
"It's disappointing. I'll talk to the owners, but I don't think we'll appeal."
Brouder received a two-day ban for careless riding. Raceday officials declined to comment when approached.
More top stories:
Cheltenham's Festival Trials Day card on Saturday called off due to waterlogging
'I was aware he could say anything but I never thought he would say that'
Tony McCoy: how Martin Pipe turned me into a record-breaking 'robot'
'I'll just be thankful to be back' – Henry Brooke close to return after serious injury
For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets
Published on 29 January 2021inReports
Last updated 18:42, 29 January 2021
- Southwell: 'When they put up good prize money we'll bring nice horses' - Charlie Johnston strikes with classy double
- Japan: T O Royal 20-1 for Melbourne Cup after Grade 1 win in Tenno Sho Spring
- Sha Tin: 'He was beaten at the three-furlong pole' - Romantic Warrior pulls out all the stops for record third QEII Cup
- Sandown: 'That was a great bit of riding' - Nico de Boinville earns plaudits after 'remarkable' Fantastic Lady strikes in Grade 2
- 'Are you daring me?' - Willie Mullins vows to defend his title with gusto as Sandown salutes a true champion
- Southwell: 'When they put up good prize money we'll bring nice horses' - Charlie Johnston strikes with classy double
- Japan: T O Royal 20-1 for Melbourne Cup after Grade 1 win in Tenno Sho Spring
- Sha Tin: 'He was beaten at the three-furlong pole' - Romantic Warrior pulls out all the stops for record third QEII Cup
- Sandown: 'That was a great bit of riding' - Nico de Boinville earns plaudits after 'remarkable' Fantastic Lady strikes in Grade 2
- 'Are you daring me?' - Willie Mullins vows to defend his title with gusto as Sandown salutes a true champion