Johnson to retire after being hit with four-year ban by BHA

HOWARD Johnson plans to retire from training after being banned for four years yesterday by the British Horseracing Authority after being found in breach of charges relating to horse welfare and the administering of steroids to horses in his care.

Johnson was chiefly held accountable for running a horse, Striking Article, eight times after he had undergone a palmar neurectomy, and for which he was banned for three years.

The procedure involves severing nervous connection to the lower leg to cause numbness. It is banned under the Rules of Racing on welfare grounds.