Henlow promoter Kevin Boothby pronounced “we adhered to the rules and the best dog won the race” following Signature Dancer’s victory in the BGBF Scurry Final – writes Floyd Amphlett.
Michelle Brown’s local runner had been knocked over and caused hit heat to be made void in the opening round. For years, that might have meant the dog being withdrawn from the re-run.
However the GBGB stewards opted to review their interpretation of the rules and basically determined, that since the race technically was never staged, there was no need for an omission. The Wisbech born dog duly contested last Monday’s re-run semi final and qualified behind fastest winner Commanche Storm.
When the traps opened, it soon became obvious that the same pair would be dominant in the final. Storm trapped well with Dancer (Tullymurry Act-Franks Dream, Jul 17) on his outside. By the third bend Michelle Brown’s black was looking much the stronger and he duly pulled away to win by a length and a half from Westcot Norman in 26.43.
Michelle took over the training license from mum Hazel Kemp at the start of the year and Michelle’s previous job, working as a horse physio in Newmarket, seemed to have paid dividends.
Hazel said: “Great resul, we are so proud. Michelle has been working with him ultra sound and massage after Dancer got taken out race and knocked over in semis. So many dogs would have lost confidence but he came though, bless him. So it would have been such a injustice if he didn’t go in re-run. He did the kennel proud and I am really thrilled for Craig Chesson for breeding the litter.”
However, Dancer’s victory will not have gone down well with some at the Racing Post. The weekend Mutley column criticised the GBGB decision.
Kevin Boothby said: “It is a great story of a young local pup overcoming an unfortunate accident. How can you blame a dog for being knocked over? I got to know Craig on some of our trips to Romford. He is a great supporter of the industry, who puts a lot in, and I am chuffed that he has won such a decent race.”
