'We have a strong case' - Duffield looking to get York result overturned

Monday: Southwell

Trainer Ann Duffield said she was hopeful of securing a valuable first prize on appeal as she maintained her rich vein of form with the success of Mr Trevor.

Duffield is convinced Master Richard should have been awarded the £100,000 Sky Bet Mile Handicap in the stewards’ room after being beaten a nose by Point Lynas at York on August 19.

“We have lodged an appeal although it might be several weeks before we hear the result,” said the trainer. “It took them about 12 minutes to decide the photo-finish at York and there was only a thumbnail between the two horses.

“There were two cases of interference, one of them close to the line, and when it’s that close I’m not sure how they can say the result wasn’t affected. The rules are quite clear and I believe we have a strong case.”

Mr Trevor’s victory in the 7f handicap was his second this month on Tapeta but Duffield does not believe he would be inconvenienced by a switch back to grass.

Easy Street

Patrick Morris, another trainer on the wrong end of a stewards’ ruling last time, enjoyed better luck when Morgan Cole steered Street Life to a length-and-a-quarter victory over old foe Glasstrees in the 5f handicap.

Street Life had been demoted to second after beating the same horse by a nose earlier in the month.

“We appealed against his demotion last time and it was very harsh on Morgan,” said Morris. “She put her whip down to ensure she stayed within the rules, otherwise she would have won by half a length and kept the race.”

Magic Mason

Jo Mason took her seasonal tally to 30 with victories aboard the Mick and David Easterby-trained pair Hoots Toots in the mile classified stakes and Marwari in the second division of the 6f handicap.

Results and analysis

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