Makin to appeal Newmarket decision

Trainer Peter Makin has, as expected, lodged an appeal against the decision of the Newmarket stewards to demote Classic Descent into second place last Friday.

The outcome of the appeal, which will be heard by the disciplinary panel of the British Horseracing Authority on Thursday at the unusually early time of 7am, could have a bearing on the close fight between Jamie Spencer and Seb Sanders for the jockeys’ championship.

Sanders partnered Classic Descent, while Spencer was aboard the short-head runner-up Black Rain, who was promoted to first place in division one of the Prestige Vehicles EBF Maiden Stakes on November 2.

Paul Struthers, PR manager for the BHA, said: “Deciding to stage the appeal this week at 7am is not a decision we took lightly.

“It’s been years since such a thrilling climax to the season and it simply wasn’t acceptable to allow the possibility of the jockeys’ championship to be decided by the disciplinary panel after the conclusion of the turf season.

“We are conscious of the inconvenience to both jockeys and we apologise for that but we hope they, and the public, understand and appreciate the decision we have come to.

“Whilst the outcome of the appeal will obviously have some impact on who will be champion, at least now the action will culminate where it should do – on the racecourse – and we wish them both the very best of luck.”