A successful gamble was met with a dramatic conclusion at Kempton on Wednesday evening as the well backed Penny Time was disqualified after winning the 5:30.
Trained by Hugo Palmer, Penny Time was heavily supported through the day and rewarded punters with their faith. The Mehmas colt took a keen hold on debut, but came home strongly down the outside under hands and heels. He beat the nicely-bred Conclave a neck, pulling clear of Too Darn Hot gelding Pentonville in third.
However, the result was overturned after Champion apprentice jockey Joe Leavy weighed in 1.5lb light. Leavy weighed in at 9st 5.5lb, after weighing out at 9st 7lb. As a result, Penny Time was disqualified with Conclave awarded the race for Andrew Balding and Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.
Per the Racing Post, the stewards report stated: “The clerk of the scales objected to the winner, Penny Time. On the grounds of the rider weighing in at 9st 5.5lb having weighed out at 9st 7lb. The rider, the trainer and the clerk of the scales were interviewed. As the stewards were unable to establish an explanation for the weight difference, Leavy was suspended for five days and Hugo Palmer was fined £750.”
The Mehmas colt was a £110,000 yearling from Goffs Orby Book 1. His dam was a consistent handicapper, whose career culminated with a Group 3 win at the Curragh in 2017. He is a half-brother to Nighteyes trained by David O’Meara.
Nighteyes was progressive in her early career, before finishing second in a Group 1 at the Curragh last season. They come from a smart family, notably including the Ascot Group 1 Champions Sprint winner Art Power.
Further drama at Kempton
Penny Time wasn’t the only horse on the card to be withdrawn. In the 6:30, Justcallmepete got his nose stuck in the stall after anticipating the start, causing his gate to open later. The drama was yet fo finish, as the first three home were separated by a nose in a thrilling three-way-finish. The photo took more than 20 minutes to decide the winner. Lazzar took the race for Richard Hughes, giving 7lbs claimer Donagh Murphy his fifth win of the season.
Elsewhere on the card, 3lbs claimer Ryan Kavanagh gained his 14th win of the season on Elvetham. Hollie Doyle rode two winners on the night, with Advancing taking the 6:00 and Vitaline justifying favouritism in the final contest for Keiran Burke.