Clonmel stewards completely ignored their own rules

IN all the years of covering racing, I have to say this was the worst decision I have seen.

Days later and I’m still utterly puzzled as to how a group of stewards could reach a conclusion which saw Big Game Hunter disqualified, after beating High Magic by a head, in a maiden hurdle at Clonmel last Sunday.

The facts are simple and are these: just before the final flight Big Game Hunter edged to his left, nudging High Magic. They jumped the flight in unison and then Big Game Hunter showed the greater resolution and High Magic never looked like going past him.