Namhroodah a Valiant loser after interference

Red Box lucky winner as Irish Rookie gets shut out

Controversial Valiant Stakes finish: Namhroodah is first past the post from Red Box (right) and Irish Rookie (left) but loses the race in the stewards' roomCredit: Mark Cranham

Ascot stewards and racing's rules were back in the spotlight after Namhroodah had her invaluable — for bloodstock purposes – Listed success taken off her after impeding favourite Irish Rookie.

Unfortunately for Irish Rookie's connections, she was pipped a neck for second by Red Box, who had an uninterrupted run under Luke Morris down the middle of the track.

The stewards deemed Irish Rookie and Ryan Moore were making a winning run when Jamie Spencer allowed Namhroodah to drift right into her path and block her run for half a dozen strides and demoted Namhroodah to third, handing Red Box a fortunate success.

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Bruce JacksonReporter

Published on 22 July 2016inReports

Last updated 19:29, 22 July 2016

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