Irish pair disqualified by BHA for laying horse in lease agreement

MICHAEL and Declan Phelan have been disqualified from racing for 12 months each by the British Horseracing Authority for laying Itsallaracket to lose at Folkestone in December 2008.

The BHA disciplinary panel held an inquiry on May 7 to look into events surrounding the Romney Marsh Mares’ Intermediate Open National Hunt Flat Race, where the mare was pulled-up as the 5-4 favourite.

The Phelans had bought Itsallaracket the previous month and entered into a lease agreement with Irish trainer Seamus Lynch, stating all earnings and costs accrued until the end of the season were to be Lynch’s.