Mick Channon philosophical over Lingfield reverse
The British Horseracing Authority has announced the result of Saturday's all-weather bumper at Lingfield has been amended following re-examination of the photo-finish print.
The judge called Mick Channon's The Blue Bomber as the winner of the Racing Welfare "Junior" Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race by a nose from Jonjo O'Neill's Quarenta, but was asked by the BHA to reconsider his decision following concerns expressed by connections of the runner-up and members of the general public.
After further consideration of the photo and viewing footage to confirm the positioning of each horse, the judge corrected the placings to declare Quarenta the winner.
Channon has taken the revised decision on the chin.
He said: "I've had a look at it and I still think our horse won on the nod, but the judge is adamant the other horse won, so that's that.
"I'm not one to whinge and moan about these things so we'll just get on with it. I own the horse myself, so it's not the end of the world - nobody has died.
"When they rang me I thought they were ringing to tell me Youmzain had won the Arc (2007) and Dylan Thomas had finished second, so I'm a bit disappointed! I still think we won that day!"
The BHA added it has been in discussions with racecourses, including Lingfield, about the quality of the photo finish produced where the image is impacted by distance and deteriorating light.
These discussions are ongoing with a view to finding a reasonable solution as soon as possible.
Additionally, the BHA will consider the processes and practices adopted by judges where the quality of the photo produced is such that it should not be relied upon alone.
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