Simple Verse regains St Leger on appeal

The Ralph Beckett-trained filly (pictured with Sheikh Fahad and jockey Andrea Atzeni) showed great tenacity and ability to beat her male rivals at Doncaster, but after passing the post in front was relegated to second by race-day stewards, who felt the runner-up, Bondi Beach, had been impeded to such a degree it cost him the race. The winning margin was just a head, and it was clear Bondi Beach and Simple Verse had made contact on two occasions in the run to the line, but there was widespread surprise in the media and from the public at the stewards' decision. The general consensus was that the best horse had won, that both horses had been culpable of leaning or bumping one another, and that when both factors were considered, and under the Rules of racing in Britain, the first past the post would keep the race.

Agony for Beckett (left) and racing manager David Redvers as the filly was demoted . . .

Within minutes of the result being overturned Beckett announced an appeal would be lodged, and today at the British Horseracing Authority's London headquarters it proved successful. The hearing decided 'that the cumulative effect of the two incidents did not improve Simple Verse's placing'.

. . . but they were smiling today after the appeal was upheld

David Redvers, who manages Qatar Racing's bloodstock and racing interests, said: "To be honest there are mixed emotions at having won the appeal, a combination of delight, relief and frustration. Naturally, we are very pleased that the Panel saw fit to restore Simple Verse to her rightful position of winner of the [Ladbrokes] St Leger, but it is a shame to win a Classic in a windowless basement at 75 High Holborn. It's not quite the same, is it? But our thanks go to Graham McPherson [QC] for presenting our case in such a clear and cogent manner.

"We appreciate it was a judgment call for the stewards on the day, but to have not been able to enjoy the moment of victory at Doncaster is a great shame. And while the record books will now, thankfully, show Simple Verse to have been the winner, we will always have mixed feelings and it is little consolation for those punters had faith in Simple Verse and who lost their money on the day.

"Talking of faith - great credit must go to Ralph Beckett for having the faith and belief to recommend supplementing the filly. It was a great piece of training to produce her to win the St Leger, but that memory will, unfortunately, always be tarnished by the despondency we felt at the stewards' decision on the day. And not forgetting Andrea - we are delighted for him. He and the filly were worthy winners of the St Leger and that is now official."

Simple Verse has Bondi Beach on her outside as the pair cross the line

Simple Verse, who races for Qatar Racing, Sheikh Suhaim Al Thani and Mohammed Al Kubaisi, was purchased by Redvers as a yearling at Goffs for €240,000. She did not race at two, but has advanced rapidly this year, winning a maiden at Lingfield in April, the Bibury Cup at Salisbury in June, the Gr.3 Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood in July and now the St Leger, the world's oldest Classic.

Her next target is likely to be the Gr.1 Fillies' and Mares' race at the QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot on October 17.

Photography: Laurence Squire and Dan Abraham