Two appeals concerning the finish of the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh have both been dismissed by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.
The Group One contest on 1 July produced a messy conclusion as the George Boughey-trained raider Via Sistina drifted across the track in the final furlong, impeding the placed horses in winning by two lengths under Jamie Spencer.
Ben and Martyn Arbib, who own Hughie Morrison's second-placed Stay Alert, appealed against the race-day stewards’ decision not to revise the placings, but the IHRB dismissed that claim.
The progressive Via Sistina (6-4 favourite) becomes a Group One winner in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh for trainer Gerorge Boughey and jockey Jamie Spencer. pic.twitter.com/wviBjtiqZb
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) July 1, 2023
Spencer was given a six-day ban for his 'careless' ride, with the jockey asking the IHRB appeals panel to reconsider the severity of the suspension.
However, that was also dismissed with Spencer ruled out on 15, 17-20 and 22 July.
The suspension means he misses the ride aboard Khaadem in Saturday’s July Cup, with Rob Hornby booked to ride the 80-1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes winner at Newmarket instead.
