Hills frustrated at Phoenix Of Spain's troubled trip in Futurity

Charlie Hills experienced a mixture of emotions as Phoenix Of Spain went down fighting to Magna Grecia in a controversial finish to the Vertem Futurity Trophy.

Frustration was the overriding one as Phoenix Of Spain, who was beaten by a head, was the victim of two separate instances of interference.

Although the stewards held a lengthy inquiry concerning the first two home, the placings remained unaltered with both examples of interference deemed accidental.

Hills, who will consider appealing against the decision, said: "Jamie [Spencer] said the winner careered into him and he lost his impetus and it put him off balance. He was in front when he got that bump. We're disappointed we didn't win, but he's run a great race."

Vertem Futurity Trophy: view the race replay along with the result here

The trainer was left to draw plenty of encouragement from the Acomb Stakes winner, who performed with great credit at Doncaster again after giving leading juvenile Too Darn Hot the most he has had to think about this season in last month's Champagne Stakes.

"He's a lovely horse and I'm delighted with his performance," said Hills. "They went a bloody good gallop there and he's got the mile well, and he should hopefully have a good three-year-old career.

"We'll have a look at the Guineas first up definitely and there's no reason why a mile and a quarter cannot be in his range. There's lots to look forward to – I'm just hugely proud of him today."

Spencer had his aggravation compounded after the stewards found him guilty of using his whip above the permitted level. As it was his fifth such suspension in six months the matter was referred to BHA head office.

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