Tassie Oaks Controversy as Jennifer Stripped of Win
- Sunday, 26 February 2006 00:00
Favourite punters were left reeling when warm favourite Jennifer was stripped of her win in today's Group Three Tasmanian Oaks at Tasman Park in Launceston.
The filly, who is also in the news after returning a swab irregularity from her recent Thousand Guineas triumph, was first past the post in today's Oaks before losing the race in the stewards' room.
The panel of stewards flipped the first two placings and announced Darcenell as the winner of the state's Oaks.
A $1.80 favourite, Jennifer looked to have the measure of Darcenell was she swept past runners on the outside of the field, but a shift in when approaching the line was proven exceptionally costly.
A protest fired in by Melbourne apprentice Daniel Moor, who rode Darcenell, was upheld - much to the disgust of many punters and the connections of Jennifer.
Jennifer proved the filly of the carnival - with "wins" in the Thousand Guineas, Strutt Stakes and Oaks.
She will also be stripped of her win in the Thousand Guineas two starts back with news over the past few days her swab had returned with a positive reading to a prohibited substance.
Meanwhile, it was better news earlier in the afternoon for favourite punters when outstanding local juvenile Rustia completed the Magic Millions and Gold Sovereign Stakes double.
The daughter of Savoire Vivre finished a half length ahead of Emily's Girl, while Aunty Val was another length away in third place.
The two runners from Victoria - including McFly from the powerful David Hayes stable - both missed a place.
Despite winning a couple of races through a slight injury star local rider Brendon McCoull took riding honours with a treble. He also rode Jennifer in the Oaks.
