Gr1 Commonwealth Cup Appeal Dismissed

An appeal by connections of Dragon Symbol (Cable Bay-Arcamina, by Arcano) against the 3YO colt’s demotion to second following the running of Royal Ascot’s Gr1 Commonwealth Cup (6 furlongs) has been rejected by the British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel. The appeal followed a decision by stewards to promote fellow 3YO colt Campanelle (Kodiac-Janina, by Namid) due to alleged interference by Dragon Symbol (ridden by Oisin Murphy) to Campanelle (Frankie Dettori). According to racingtv.com. The panel heard extensive evidence from both Dettori and Murphy as well as watched various recordings from the race. Dettori explained Campanelle was “intimidated” and “taken off balance” during 3 incidents with Dragon Symbol, losing lengths as a result. Louis Weston, representing the BHA, accused Murphy (who admitted to careless riding which gave him an uncontested four-day-ban) of being argumentative. After considering all of the evidence, the panel dismissed the appeal, stating, “We have given careful attention to the rules and guidelines and taken great care to consider the factual matters and arguments placed before us. Our conclusion is that the stewards did come to the right conclusion and that the appeal fails. In our view this was absolutely a debatable appeal, something which should have been given careful consideration, and in our view the deposit should be returned.”