Backstage declared ineligible for Christies Foxhunter Chase
Backstage has been declared ineligible for the Christies Foxhunter Chase, taking place at Cheltenham next month. According to the rules, the 10-year-old does not qualify for the event for which he was holding the highest chances
of winning.
The regulations state that those contenders who have won over £20,000 since June-2009 cannot partake in the meeting.
On the other hand, The Gordon Elliott-trained has bagged a lot more money than the set limit as he won a purse worth of £31,000 at Ffos Las in August 2009.
Backstage’s connections would have been seriously disappointed over his ineligibility as the veteran gelding is in terrific rhythm at the moment.
When asked whether Backstage will be given an entry for some other race at the festival, Elliott refrained from giving a clear answer.
"We've known for a little while that he was ineligible. I've not considered other races at the festival yet. I've got to talk to the owners," he said on Thursday morning.
Although Tim Palin, owners Middleham Park Racing’s representative, expressed huge disappointment, he elucidated that gelding still has many options to avail.
He shared:
"It's unfortunate, but there are other races at the festival to consider, such as the Kim Muir and cross-country chase. The Grand National is also still on his agenda."
Backstage is in sublime form at the moment. The veteran gelding is currently holding six back to back wins under his belt. The latest of his victories came at Ballydarragh where he sealed the top slot in the Amber Springs Hotel &
Health Spa Open 4yo+ (Mdns Excl) on February 5.
The French gelding was at his best as he outsmarted Hangover by two and a half lengths. With such a wonderful record, he was heading the bookmakers' lists for the Foxhunter.
Due to the ante-post favourite’s omission, betting on the Christie’s Foxhunter Chase has also been suspended. Coral, Betfair and Paddy Power quickly took an initiative and offered a refund to all those who had bet their money on
Backstage.
“We became aware of the situation this morning. As the horse was not eligible for the Christie’s all bets on that horse are void,” a spokesman for Betfair said on Thursday morning.
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