PUNTERS cried ‘shame on racing’ as not even new video evidence could save Shes Perfect and Kieran Shoemark in their French 1000 Guineas appeal.
Sun Racing’s Matt Chapman post of footage of the closing stages of the Classic garnered hundreds of thousands of views.
Chappers and many others insisted the clip showed Shes Perfect did not come off a true line enough to deny Zarigana victory in the Longchamp race the weekend before last.
But French stewards stuck with their original decision to reverse placings and award the Aga Khan-owned Zarigana the race and £260,000 prize in a decision reached on Wednesday.
This despite cries of ‘cheat’ and ‘disgrace’ ringing round the Longchamp winner’s enclosure on the day.
The verdict is a devastating blow for trainer Charlie Fellowes and syndicate boss Basher Watts, who has showcased his journey with the star filly every step of the way.
But also for Shoemark, with the result capping off an incredibly trying few weeks for the jockey.
First he lost his gig as John and Thady Gosden’s No1 rider after his effort on Field Of Gold in the 2000 Guineas.
That has led to him losing the leg up on the awesome grey colt for this Saturday’s Irish 2000 Guineas as owners Juddmonte instead opted for the ‘best in the business’ round the Curragh.
Shoemark also missed out on a big ride on Roger Teal’s Dancing Gemini in last weekend’s Lockinge – with Ryan Moore being picked instead.
While it always looked a tough task getting the French stewards to change their mind, no one could blame Fellowes, Shoemark and Watts for giving it a go.
A crestfallen Fellowes said: “It’s gutting, but I completely respect the decision.
“You only have to look at the comments on social media, it really was 50-50. Maybe there’ll be a rematch at Ascot in June.”
The argument centred around whether or not Shes Perfect’s move left in the closing stages cost Zarigana the win.
Shes Perfect moved slightly off a true line, bumping into Ryan Moore on Exactly, who in turn looked to interfere with Mickael Barzalona on Zarigana.
The official margin of victory was just a nose – and stewards felt the apparent interference cost the French filly the win.
However, many on social media disagreed, saying it was merely race-riding and Shes Perfect would keep the race anywhere else.
Others thought the interference was clear, though, and that Shes Perfect’s disqualification – which cost connections £150,000 – and demotion to runner-up was the right decision.
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