Backstage not allowed to run in Foxhunter

Posted by Andrew Norman & Gareth Topham hunterchase.com


Betting on the Cheltenham Festival’s Christie’s Foxhunter Chase was suspended this morning when it became apparent favourite Backstage was ineligible.

Conditions of entry state that horses who won races worth more than £20,000 after June 7, 2009 cannot take part, and the Gordon Elliott-trained Backstage won a £31,000 chase at Ffos Las in August that year.

The ten-year-old has been in flying form in recent months, winning six Irish point-to-points, and with horses like Zemsky and Baby Run ruled out by injury he headed most bookmakers’ lists for the Christie’s.

Elliott said this morning: “We’ve known for a little while that he was ineligible. I’ve not considered other races at the Festival yet. I’ve got to talk to the owners.”

Tim Palin, who represents owners Middleham Park Racing, said: “It’s unfortunate, but there are other races at the Festival to consider, such as the Kim Muir and cross-country chase. The Grand National is also still on his agenda.”