Scout connections face inquiry
Trainer Sue Smith and jockey Dominic Elsworth’s appeal over the punishment handed out to them by the Wetherby stewards over the running of Ardent Scout last month will be heard by the Jockey Club disciplinary panel tomorrow.
The hearing finally takes place at 2pm at Portman Square after delays in staging an appeal.
The 11-year-old gelding was banned for 30 days by the Wetherby stewards on November 1.
Ardent Scout was judged to have been schooled in public in the Rocom Handicap Chase at the Charlie Hall meeting, resulting in Smith being fined £800 (€1,151) and Elsworth suspended for 10 days.
The horse, having his first run since breaking a fetlock joint at Haydock last March and running over a trip short of his best, became detached from the main body of runners before staying on to finish fourth to Turgeonev, beaten just over four lengths.
Because of the delay Ardent Scout was allowed to bid for a repeat win in the Tote Becher Chase at Aintree and finished third to Clan Royal.
