BHA hear St Leger Simple Verse appeal on Wednesday

The disciplinary panel of the British Horseracing Authority will today hear the appeal by connections of Simple Verse against the decision to demote the filly from first place in the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster.

Trained by Ralph Beckett for Qatar Racing, the Andrea Atzeni-ridden three-year-old passed the post a head in front of the Aidan O'Brien-trained Bondi Beach, but a stewards' inquiry was immediately called as the pair appeared to bump twice in the closing stages.

Following a tense wait, during which Atzeni and Bondi Beach's rider Colm O'Donoghue argued their respective cases in front of the stewards live on Channel 4, the announcement was made that Simple Verse had been placed second.

Beckett and Atzeni will be supported at the 10am appeal hearing by the David Redvers, racing manager for the owner, Graeme McPherson QC, instructing solicitor Andrew Chalk and John Maxse.

O'Brien and O'Donoghue will represent Bondi Beach alongside John Kelsey-Fry QC and instructing solicitor Kevin Power.

Lyn Williams will be in attendance representing the BHA.