Racing: Stewards in Lingfield crackdown

Arry Dash was banned from running for 40 days after the Lingfield Park stewards punished the trainer Chris Dwyer and the rider Joe Fanning yesterday. An inquiry was held into the running and riding of the five-year-old after he finished fourth, beaten two and a half lengths, in a 10-furlong handicap.

Arry Dash was banned from running for 40 days after the Lingfield Park stewards punished the trainer Chris Dwyer and the rider Joe Fanning yesterday. An inquiry was held into the running and riding of the five-year-old after he finished fourth, beaten two and a half lengths, in a 10-furlong handicap.

After hearing evidence from Dwyer and Fanning, and viewing video recordings of the race and taking into account a veterinary officer's report, the stewards were not satisfied the horse had gained the best possible placing. They suspended Fanning for 14 days and fined Dwyer £2,000.

Fanning stated his instructions had been to drop out the horse - who was carrying top weight - kid him along and get him to relax. He added that he had been travelling well between the three and four marker and did not wish to swing too wide off the bend.

Dwyer confirmed that those had been his instructions and that he was satisfied that the ride given by the jockey had accorded with them.