Sky Lantern's appeal fails

Connections of Sky Lantern were unsuccessful in their appeal against the result of the Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes, with Elusive Kate confirmed as the winner, the British Horseracing Authority confirmed.

The Richard Hannon-trained Sky Lantern, winner of the 1000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes, was beaten a neck by John Gosden's Elusive Kate at Newmarket last Friday but was carried across the track as the winner hung 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 of the race, 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."

A statement from the disciplinary panel said it found that "although Sky Lantern was carried left-handed by Elusive Kate in the final one and a half furlongs and accidentally struck once by Buick, Hughes did not have to stop riding and his filly did not lose sufficient momentum and ground for the panel to be satisfied that on the balance of probabilities the interference had improved the placing of Elusive Kate in relation to Sky Lantern.

"The panel therefore dismissed Hannon's appeal and confirmed the placings."

The £500 deposit by the Sky Lantern team was ordered to be forfeited by the disciplinary panel.

Patrick Barbe, spokesman for Elusive Kate's owner Teruya Yoshida, said: "Of course we are very happy. I think justice has been done as there was no contact and according to the English rules, she should keep the race.

"I think the best filly won on the day - she won fair and square.

A decision is expected to be made next week on whether Sky Lantern steps up to 10 furlongs for the first time in the Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes at Goodwood on August 3.