Lantern team appeal Falmouth result Connections of Sky Lantern have appealed the result of the Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes. The Richard Hannon-trained filly, winner of the 1000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes, was beaten a neck by Elusive Kate at Newmarket on Friday but was carried across the track as the winner drifted persistently left in the hands of William Buick, who did have his whip in his correct hand. A lengthy stewards' inquiry ensued but the placings remained unaltered, although Buick was suspended for three days for careless riding. Sky Lantern's jockey Richard Hughes was frustrated in the aftermath, making his case in the televised hearing in the stewards' room, and saying: "It's a shame, as she's the one who has the bad habit [hanging] and I'm the sufferer." Talk of a possible appeal developed throughout the weekend and on Monday Hannon said on his website www.richardhannonracing.co.uk: "So many people have rung urging us to appeal and insisting that we have a strong case, so we have decided to give it a shot. "We have spoken to Ben Keswick (owner), and, though originally we were taking the decision on the chin, we have back-tracked and decided to go ahead with the appeal." The British Horseracing Authority said the appeal would be heard on Thursday, subject to the availability of all relevant parties. Richard Hannon jnr, speaking at a lunch previewing the Glorious Goodwood meeting, said there was an "outside chance" that Sky Lantern could try 10 furlongs for the first time in the Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes on August 3. "She appears to have come out of the race very well and it's a mile and a quarter and we are quite keen to try her over a mile and a quarter, so there's an outside chance she might go there. "He [Hughes] is adamant she would get it [10-furlong trip0." Sky Lantern's other Group One engagement is in the Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Stakes over a mile at Leopardstown on September 7th, where she could face a rematch with Elusive Kate.
