The connections of Alphonse Le Grande, who was disqualified after winning last Saturday’s £175k Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket, are to appeal the decision made by the BHA.
Alphonse Le Grande Team Appeal Cesarewitch Disqualification
Saturday’s running of the 2024 Cesarewitch Handicap is always going to be remembered for the horse that crossed the line first – Alphonse Le Grande – being disqualified.
This was due to jockey Jamie Powell, who is an Irish apprentice rider, breaking the British horse racing whip rules when striking the Cathy O’Leary-trained horse 10 times, which is four times over the permitted limit of six.
The BHA whip rules for a flat race in state that a jockey can use their whip a maximum of six times, any more will result in suspensions and fines – while should it be exceeded by four (or more) this would result in instant disqualification.
This is exactly what happened and just to add to the confusion, Alphonse Le Grande wasn’t instantly disqualified – as the race was referred to the ‘Whips Review Committee’ for a hearing on the following Tuesday (three days after the race).
This meant the best horse racing betting sites in the UK had to pay out on the day as Alphonse Le Grande as the winner, despite most horse racing fans knowing the horse would be thrown out in the coming days.
Alphonse Le Grande Jockey Jamie Powell Banned For 28 Days
Jockey Jamie Powell also picked up a 28-day riding ban for the incident – which, again, many led to some horse racing followers taking to social media to express their disgust.
Imagine you were told you have been suspended from your job for a month without pay
No compensation. No chance to mitigate that loss
And whilst you’re suspended, from a performance based role-someone else takes your place. And if they do well? Well they will take future…
— Geoff Banks (@geoffbanksbet) October 17, 2024
However, in a new twist to this ongoing Alphonse Le Grande Cesarewitch episode it was announced on Friday 18th October – three days after the horse was disqualified – that connections will be appealing the decision.
With the owners of Alphonse Le Grande – Bet Small Win Big Syndicate – and the trainer Cathy O’Leary, who is the sister of trainer Tony Martin, set to be contesting the disqualification.
A date for the appeal hearing is yet to be confirmed.
This was the third horse to be disqualified since the controversial new whip rules were put in place in 2023.
The British Horseracing Authority issued a statement saying……
“Connections and jockey of Alphonse Le Grande have submitted appeals against the Whip Review Committee’s decision to disqualify the horse from the Cesarewitch and suspend jockey, Jamie Powell, for 28 days.
“We are liaising with parties involved to determine a date for the appeal.”