Trainer Richard Hughes has expressed his disappointment at America Queen‘s withdrawal from the Irish 1000 Guineas. The Classic on Sunday was won by Precise for Aidan O’Brien, but Hughes’ contender did not run.
That was due to a fault found by an Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) veterinary team at the Curragh. Hughes, however, was not satisfied by their explanations for her withdrawal. The so-called issue found by the vets was similar to one preceding her run at Newmarket to begin this season.
The Group 3 Nell Gwyn Stakes saw her finish a neck second to surprise winner Azleet. Having not taken part in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, the Curragh provided an alternative Classic test for the striking grey.
That opportunity was taken away though and Hughes was not happy with the explanations given for her withdrawal.
“I was pretty disgusted about what happened,” Hughes told the Racing Post. That filly had a trot-up at Newmarket and there was evidence that she was off behind. They let her run at Newmarket and she was beaten just a neck. She came home better than ever the next day, better than she was at the races. We know what the issue is so the BHA told me to get a full x-ray report on it, which would give more confidence that she just has a funny gait.
“She was perfectly sound leaving home” – Hughes
Hughes went on to say that everything required of the yard to ensure America Queen could run was completed. The filly was among the best hopes for Britain in the Irish 1000 Guineas.
Following on from his Newmarket evidence, Hughes said: “we did all that. Exactly what the BHA asked us to do, and we sent the filly over to Ireland on Friday. She didn’t canter on Friday or Saturday and then she was off behind at the races on Sunday. I showed them the video of her at Newmarket where she was worse, and my full x-ray report, doing what the BHA had told me to do, and they just said ‘no, she’s not running’.
“She was perfectly sound leaving home or else I wouldn’t have sent her the whole way over. What I want to know is do they have a protocol? What happens the next day I go racing? I was able to show up with evidence that the filly was not in danger. They didn’t even explain to me what I should do the next day if I brought her over. I had a full x-ray report and he spoke to my vet about her at length on the phone, as well.
“This would, without a doubt, put me off bringing any horse back to Ireland, and it’s the same with Mr Jaber Abdullah. He has a lot of horses in training and he’s not happy. He wants an explanation.”
The IHRB responded, stating: “The IHRB is satisfied that the appropriate regulatory and veterinary processes were followed by the veterinary officers on duty at the meeting.”