Sunday, February 17, 2008

What a difference a day makes

English trainer Alan Swinbank faces more trouble from the British Horseracing Authority after a horse banned under the non-trier's rule won at Newcastle on Tuesday - when he should still have been serving the suspension. Ignotus was banned from running from January 4 to February 12 inclusive, after catching the attention of the stewards at Catterick on New Year's Day when he finished second in a novice hurdle. The North Yorkshire trainer was fined £5,000 and rider Thomas Thompson banned for 21 days. However, on the day before Ignotus was allowed to return, he took division one of the Saltwell Signs Maiden Hurdle at the Gosforth Park track under Tom Greenall. The gelding is now set to lose the race, with runner-up Best Prospect the in-waiting beneficiary, while Swinbank will be required to explain his reasons and could be fined up to £3,000 - although the relevant ruling suggests an entry point of £1,000. BHA press officer Owen Byrne said: "We are lodging an objection to Ignotus on the basis that it was not qualified to start at Newcastle. "Alan Swinbank was told the dates of the ban when the Stewards imposed it and it is his responsibility to ensure a horse is qualified to start. "This is the first time this has ever happened and we are looking at ensuring safeguards are put in place our end to prevent a repeat."
The Big G
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