Seb in Classic appeal

The drama being played out by Jamie Spencer and Seb Sanders will be carried into an appeal hearing at the British Horseracing Authority in London on Thursday after Sanders lost a winner to Spencer in the stewards' room when short-head first-past-the-post Classic Descent was thrown out and Black Rain promoted.

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Sanders' mount drifted left into Black Rain in the last 50 yards and the pair brushed each other with Spencer claiming that he had been unable to continue using his whip in his right hand.

To make matters worse for Sanders, Black Rain was a chance ride for Spencer, who was standing in for the ill Ian Mongan.

But Peter Makin, trainer of Classic Descent, signalled his intent to appeal against the verdict after the incident was ruled accidental.

Paul Struthers, for the BHA, said: "Given the possible bearing such an appeal could have on the jockeys' championship, which culminates at Doncaster on Saturday, it would be in racing's best interests to hold the appeal next week.

"We therefore expect to receive confirmation of an appeal by close of play on Monday. This will then allow us to hold an appeal on Thursday."

A further winner for each rider at Newmarket meant that Sanders and Spencer travelled on to Wolverhampton last night with the score 183-179 in Spencer's favour, a deficit immediately cut by Sanders as he won the opener on Loose Caboose. But a two-winner swing will hinge on the appeal hearing.

As recently as Tuesday, Coral had suspended title betting believing Spencer's then eight-winner lead had ended the contest. But Sanders has hit back spectacularly.

Spencer has six rides at Ayr today but sits out a two-day ban on Tuesday and Wednesday. Sanders, who has nine rides at Kempton and Newmarket, is suspended tomorrow.