The Queensland stewards are preparing to reevaluate a contentious protest ruling that led to a horse losing the race, despite winning with a comfortable lead while being eased down.
Trainer David Murphy found himself in disbelief when his horse, Beachside Babe, lost a race at Beaudesert on Saturday due to allegations of interference caused by jockey Andrew Spinks at the 300m mark.
Expressing his astonishment, Murphy conveyed his reaction to Racenet, stating, “I almost fell off my chair.”
Following widespread criticism, the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) announced plans to review the decision made. In a statement released on Monday, the QRIC disclosed their intention to review the processes involved in the Beaudesert race decision, as they routinely do with all rulings.
The successful protest resulted in the disappointed connections of Beachside Babe missing out on $22,000 in prize money, particularly distressing as the filly is qualified under the QTIS scheme.
Murphy empathised with the connections, describing them as “battling,” with one being a gardener who had purchased the horse for a modest sum, and the other being retired. He expressed his frustration, stating, “It is out of control.”
