Controversy Erupts in French 1000 Guineas: Shes Perfect’s Connections Considering Appeal
Demotion, Interference, and a Hotly debated Ride
The decision by stewards to demote Shes Perfect following Sunday’s French 1000 Guineas has left her connections contemplating an appeal, but the focus is on jockey Mickael Barzalona’s post-interference ride on Zarigana. Trainer Charlie Fellowes, who oversaw Shes Perfect‘s performance, has expressed his concerns about the manner in which Zarigana was ridden after the interference incident.
“I’m not denying there was interference. The margins are so fine, and it happened so far out, but the stewards disagreed. My main issue is how Zarigana was ridden after that,” said Fellowes on Monday’s Nick Luck Daily Podcast. “The interference happens over a furlong out, but Mickael (Barzalona) drops his whip soon after, which was not due to the interference. He then hits the horse 12 times down the neck with his hand.
“I don’t believe that’s riding within the rules of racing,” Fellowes added. “The rules are clear – four hits in France, seven in England. Anything more results in a ban or disqualification. If hitting the horse with a hand counts, then Zarigana should’ve been disqualified. Otherwise, we’re setting a dangerous precedent.”
Fellowes: Proud but Frustrated
Despite the disappointment, Fellowes expresses pride in Shes Perfect‘s performance and that of Luther in the 2000 Guineas. Reflecting on Sunday’s drama, he admits to a mixture of emotions: “It’s been a real rollercoaster. I’m incredibly proud of both horses, but it’s hard to stomach losing a Classic in the stewards’ room.”
“I knew we had two horses in peak condition. It’s just a question of if they were good enough. Thankfully, they both proved they deserve to be dining at the top table.”
Looking Ahead: An Appeal and Clarity
Fellowes reports that Shes Perfect‘s connections are likely to appeal against her demotion. He hopes the appeal will bring clarity on the rules regarding hitting a horse with a hand after exhausting the whip limit. “I want clarification on the post-interference riding, not the interference itself,” he said. “Nothing was said on the day, and we need to prevent the possibility of this becoming a new-normal riding practice.”
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Did you know?
Shes Perfect was Charlie Fellowes’ first runner in the French 1000 Guineas. She had previously won the Lancaster Stakes and finished second in the riot-ridden Oceanic Day at G2 level.
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