Tate rules out Kid appeal

Trainer Tom Tate has ruled out an appeal against the disqualification of The Butterwick Kid at Newcastle on Tuesday.

The 12-year-old was ridden by Tate's son Richard, who is also the horse’s owner, but took the hurdle course into the straight after the third fence during the Culture 10 Hunters’ Chase.

He still ran out an easy winner although the stewards had little option but to place The Butterwick Kid last.

Tate Jr was suspended for 18 days – 14 for taking the wrong course and a further four for continuing in the race.

“We’re not going to appeal,” Tate Sr said today. “It was a technicality. We think that they had not done the course job properly.

“With the amount of prize money concerned, however, to take them to task properly, with a solicitor and all that, would leave us in a deficit.”

Tate is fairly philosophical about the incident, adding: “They do have to take a decision on the rules for betting purposes so I suppose you have to grow up and accept it.

“Hopefully, the jockey will be a bit more on his toes next time!”