Racing: Nose follows Fowler's example

Richard Guest has occasionally seemed to have a nose for trouble during a controversial riding career.

And that was very much the case when his mount Nephite took a leaf out of master finisher Robbie Fowler’s book by donning a nose strap to score at Newcastle - only to have the device ruled illegal.

He was fitted with a ‘‘nose-flare’’, modelled on the accessory made famous by the prolific Leeds and England striker, in order to improve his breathing.

And fittingly it solved the gelding’s finishing problems as he put up a career-best performance to win the Chisholm Bookmakers Novices’ Handicap Chase.

Sent on from halfway by Guest, he never looked like stopping and eventually passed the post six lengths clear of runner-up Giolla Valley.

‘‘He has got a special Robbie Fowler nose-strap on and it has revolutionised him,’’ said Guest, who is also assistant to Nephite’s owner-trainer Norman Mason.

‘‘It is called a nose flare and it is meant to help the breathing, take the pressure off the lungs and help stop bleeding. My fiancée's mother Jay Murphett is marketing it and it is the first time I have used one.

‘‘This horse has been a bit in and out and he has given the feel of a horse who breaks. But we put the nose-flare on and he kept on as well as he has ever done - I am sure the flare has had a lot to do with it.’’

But there was a sting in the tail for Guest as the stewards ruled the device was against the rules.

Stewards’ secretary Phil Tuck said: ‘‘Nephite was wearing a nasal dilator contrary to instruction D18 which states that it is not allowed.

‘‘Mr Mason will be fined £220.’’

Guest said: ‘‘It’s a shame as it works. I knew nothing about it but it is against the rules and I have no qualms about it.’’

Tom Siddall paid the price for deserting the family in the Scotchills Holsteins Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.

He elected to ride Jimmy FitzGerald’s 3-1 favourite No Gimmicks, who went down by three lengths to 12-1 shot Mr Christie trained by his mother Lynn!

Liam Cooper took Siddall’s place on Mr Christie, who had been well beaten at Sedgefield just seven days ago, to land his 27th win of the season and take a clear second place behind Henry Oliver in the claimers’ championship.

Borders-based Neil Ewart gained his first victory in just over a year as a permit-holder when Burning Scally finished fast to collect the Ramside Event Catering Handicap Chase by half a length from Mickthecutaway.