A protest lodged by one of the Racing Victoria Stewards panel has been upheld at Sandown.
Steward Ray Livingstone lodged the objection following the running of the Senet Gambling Law Experts Handicap (1600m) on Wednesday.
Fine Rebel, ridden by Tayla Childs, crossed the line a neck ahead of Eloped (Craig Williams) with Charisse, ridden by Daniel Stackhouse, a long head further away.
Livingstone entered the stewards protest on behalf of the connections of Charisse, trained by Gerard Molony, against the winner Fine Rebel, prepared by Moloney’s brother, John, alleging interference near the 300m.
To further compound the confusion, Stackhouse lodged an objection against the runner-up Eloped alleging interference at the same point.
“After reviewing the film of the race, an objection should be lodged on behalf of connections,” Livingstone said.
“Charise had established a run near the 350 metres before it closed.”
Childs said Fine Rebel had wobbled around the hometurn, while at the point of the alleged interference she said she was trying to hold her line for the run to the finish.
“I believe I won the race fair and square,” Childs said.
Williams, in defending his second placing after Stackhouse said Eloped had rolled out onto Charisse and stopped his momentum, did not deny Charisse was unlucky in not winning the race outright.
“My horse contributed little to the interference,” Williams said.
With Livingstone not involved in the overall protest decision, Corie Waller, in charge of Wednesday’s meeting, said on the available evidence and footage of the race, that a run had presented at the time, resulting in Charisse later having to check.
“Stewards feel a run has presented near the 400 metres,” Waller said.
“Charisse was tightened then checked and we feel the ground lost was greater than the margin and the protest is upheld.”
Stewards dismissed the objection lodged by Stackhouse against Eloped and amended the placings, declaring Eloped as the winner from Charisse with Fine Rebel relegated to third.
