Influencer 'gutted' after star horse suffers injury which may bring premature end to campaign

Basher Watts, the social media influencer with his own racehorse ownership syndicate, has had to share more frustrating news about his star filly.

Watts created his own TikTok channel two years ago to document his days out on the racecourse before launching his own syndicate, made up mostly of first-time racehorse owners. Basher Watts Racing has four horses in training, the best of which Shes Perfect gave them an unforgettable yet frustrating day out when she was controversially demoted to second in the French 1,000 Guineas after finishing first past the post at Paris-Longchamp.

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An appeal against the stewards’ decision was unsuccessful and the owners subsequently turned down a £1.7 million offer from Japan for the filly originally bought privately for £42,000.

Shes Perfect has not run since finishing ninth in the French Oaks in June and missed an engagement in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket last week and has now been ruled out of other potential targets such as the Celebration Mile at Goodwood, Prix Rothschild at Deauville and the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown

Watts posted: “Unfortunately Shes Perfect has had a setback and won’t be running at the end of this month. Gutted not to see our superstar back on track doing what she loves but she’s ok which is the main thing.

“Had we ran in the Falmouth last Friday it could’ve been a different story so I’m thanking my lucky stars. There’s a chance we see her at the end of this season, if not, we wrap her up and have another rollercoaster of a season next year!”

Trainer Charlie Fellowes said the issue was only minor and she may be back for the Prix de la Foret on Arc weekend in October.

“I’m afraid Shes Perfect has had a setback, it will be touch and go as to whether we see her again this year,” said Fellowes. “She’s going to need a few weeks on the easy list and we are hopeful of having her back in time for the Foret.

“It’s nothing serious, but she will require a little bit of time off. We will work backwards from the Foret, but if it’s not the right thing to do then we will put her away and she will be back bigger and better next year.

“She’s a lovely filly and she’s only going to improve next year, the future is still very bright.”