The BHA released a statement Wednesday evening banning apprentice Gina Mangan's participation in the G1 Investec Epsom Derby aboard maiden Diore Lia (Ire) (Yeats {Ire}) on June 3.
“The BHA has been in contact with Mr. Jenkins, the trainer of Diore Lia, and the owner's representative, regarding Gina Mangan's participation in the Investec Epsom Derby,” said Jamie Stier, Chief Regulatory Officer for the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) in a statement. “Following these discussions, the connections were this afternoon informed that the BHA has decided under Rule (F)83 that it would be in the best interests of the sport not to accept the declaration of Gina Mangan as the rider of Diore Lia should she be put forward for the ride in the Investec Derby. Everyone involved in horseracing has a responsibility to place the welfare of our participants, both equine and human, first. It is in this context that the decision has been made.”
To read the full BHA statement, go to www.britishhorseracing.com.
Following the ruling by the BHA, owner Richard Aylward has refused to allow Diore Lia to take her place at Epsom Saturday, reported Racing Post.
“The BHA have told us we cannot have Gina Mangan on board on Saturday and, as such, I'm refusing to run the horse now,” Aylward told Racing Post Wednesday evening. “I got a telephone call from [BHA chief regulartor officer] Jamie Stier saying they've made a decision today not to allow her to ride in the race and that the horse can run if another jockey is on board, but we're not allowing her to run now.”
The John Jenkins-trained filly, rated 52 on Racing Post Ratings, would have had any earnings from her Epsom performance donated to the Great Ormond Street Hospital charity.
“We've had people donate tonight from America to the charity, all on the grounds of the horse being in the race,” Aylward continued. “We're in the Derby to have a go at it, and the BHA have been got to. They've changed their mind.”
Declarations for the Investec Derby are due Thursday.
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