| New South
Wales stewards have weighed into the Bel Esprit barrier debate indicating they may not
approve the use of a stallion chain which was used with success at a barrier trial in
Victoria this morning. Victorian stewards forced the
colt to gain a barrier certificate after he had proven difficult to be loaded into the
barriers before the running of the Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield last month.
Ray Murrihy, the Chief Steward in Sydney, said the use of
the nose-chain (also known as a stallion chain) was not yet approved in his state.
"The question is, do we allow this gear up here,"
Murrihy prompted today.
"The nose-chain is not official gear and is not used
in races."
"We will consider a request by connections to use the
nose-chain once it is received."
"I have spoken to Bill Dale (STC Starter) and
evidently it has not previously been used in NSW."
"The Stewards will make a decision on whether the
nose-chain can be used on Bel Esprit upon consultation with all relevant parties,"
Murrihy added.
The announcement from the Chief Stipe in Sydney came just
hours after the colt scored a twelve length win in an 800 metre trial at Bendigo this
morning. The son of Royal Academy entered the barriers promptly pleasing his trainer.
"I never had any doubts he would go in," John
Symons said after the colt dazzled on the inside track.
Bel Esprit is the favourite (or joint favourite with
Chosir) in most Golden Slipper markets. |
