racing news/

BHA Barking Up the Wrong Tree – Again!
09/06/10

The news that the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has decided to hold an official inquiry into Aidan O'Brien's refusal to comply with their vet's wishes at York last month, once again appears to demonstrate the ruling body's focus on the wrong issues in the sport, writes Elliot Slater.

There are plenty of dodgy or shady individuals for the BHA to go after and improve the image of the game, so the pursuit of Irish champion trainer O'Brien, one of the acknowledged legends of the turf and a man with an impeccable record with regard to the welfare of his horses, seems something of an inane exercise.

The BHA will investigate why O'Brien committed a technical breach of the rules in instructing his lad at York, Pat Keating, not to trot Dante winner Cape Blanco up and down for the benefit of the racecourse vet, who wanted to satisfy himself that the horse was indeed lame, as had been reported.

O'Brien, seeking to place the welfare of the colt as his main priority, apparently instructed Keating to do no such thing, and later, in a most uncharacteristic show of temper, he said: "It's the most insane thing I've ever heard. Why would you want to trot him again on a bruised heel and cause him more pain?"

Good question. If anything, it could be argued that it is the racecourse vet who should be on a charge and under scrutiny as to whether or not he was acting in the best interests of the horse or just wishing to satisfy his own curiosity. As anyone who with an interest in UK horse race tips will tell you, it is the animal's welfare that is always of the utmost importance.

Let's hope that common sense prevails and the BHA readily accepts O'Brien's defence and put the matter behind them. This really is a ridiculous waste of time and money and reflects badly on the priorities of the BHA and the reputation of the sport as a whole.

Meanwhile, those who prefer to keep track of events on the course will be eyeing up some Royal Ascot racing tips as the meeting approaches.

The event gets underway next week and should provide punters with some high-class racing.