Butler slams link with Godolphin
He described the article, which claimed he would take over the training of the Goldolphin juveniles on David Loder’s retirement at the end of the year, as “a load of rubbish” and insisted there had been no approach by the Maktoum organisation.
“It’s very upsetting,” he said. “We have a business to run here. Some of my owners are naturally concerned. It’s very disconcerting.”
Speculation about Butler’s future is not surprising. The 36-year-old is widely regarded as one of the rising stars of the training ranks.
He operates from stables at Blewbury in Oxfordshire where his principle owner is his landlord, Swedish businessman Erik Penser, and trained 56 winners in Britain last year, earning over £700,000 in prizemoney.
But the trainer is clearly annoyed and embarrassed by the latest story which comes just a day after the Jockey Club fined him £1,200 and stripped the stable of three of its 2002 successes, including Elusive City’s win in the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Goodwood in July and the same horse’s debut victory at Lingfield earlier that month.
The routine disqualifications came because Elusive City and Hamilton maiden winner Inchberry tested positive for banned substance omeprazole, a medication used for treating ulcers.
