Falbrav connections launch Champion appeal

Connections of Falbrav have lodged an appeal with the Irish Turf Club against the decision not to award their charge the Ireland The Food Island Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday.

The Luca Cumani-trained colt did not enjoy a clear passage in the 10-furlong showpiece and went down by a neck to Aidan O’Brien’s dual Derby winner High Chaparral, despite appearing to be hampered by the Ballydoyle colt in the closing stages.

Falbrav’s rider Darryll Holland immediately launched an objection to the winner for “taking my ground close home”, but that was thrown out at the subsequent stewards’ inquiry and the placings were left unaltered.

“The owners have instructed me to lodge an appeal,” Cumani said.

“The grounds for the appeal are that we feel there is sufficient evidence to say that our horse was impeded from winning.

“It is regrettable that this has happened, but we feel we are the innocent party.”

Turf Club officials confirmed that an appeal had been received from both the owner and trainer of Falbrav.