Phillips successfully appeals Jockey Club fine

Richard Phillips successfully appealed against a £1,700 (€2,526) fine at the Jockey Club today.

The trainer had been punished by the Haydock stewards over the running and riding of Newsplayer at the Merseyside track earlier this month.

Jodie Mogford partnered Newsplayer in the Levy Board Novices’ Hurdle and was called before the racecourse stewards, who noted his mount had been “tenderly ridden” towards the rear of the 19-runner field.

The rider, whose mount finished eighth, beaten more than 23 lengths, was banned for 10 days. Phillips was fined and the horse suspended from racing for 40 days.

However, after hearing evidence from Phillips, who was legally represented, and Mogford and having viewed video recordings of the race and the gelding’s two previous runs at Fakenham and Kempton, the panel was satisfied that he had given adequate instructions to the rider and furthermore that if the jockey had followed these instructions he would not have been found in breach.

It therefore cleared Phillips, quashed the fine and the suspension imposed on Newsplayer.

Phillips was naturally pleased with the outcome of the appeal.

He said: “They were satisfied that I wasn’t in breach of the Rule. We were confident that once we put our case to the appeal system that we would have a positive result and we have done.

“We are delighted.”

Mogford did not appeal against the Haydock stewards’ decision and is currently serving his suspension.