Prescott considers appeal options

Mark Prescott will leave the decision in the hands of jockey Jean-Pierre Guillambert regarding an appeal over the running and riding of Secret Liaison at Newcastle on Monday.

The pair fell foul of the non-triers’ rule at Gosforth Park where the juvenile finished seventh behind Stepping Up in the Toteplacepot EBF Maiden Stakes over six furlongs.

The stewards fined Newmarket trainer Prescott £2,000, as well as suspending Guillambert for 14 days and banning Secret Liaison from running for 40 days.

Prescott said: “I have looked at the tape and I could not see anything wrong, in fact I defy anybody to look at the race and without knowing, tell me which of the 16 runners was not being ridden to obtain the best possible placing.

“I shall do whatever Mr Guillambert chooses to do. He has been given a 14-day ban and if he wishes to pursue it, then I shall keep him company.”

Jockey’s Association chief John Blake added: “I have spoken to Jean-Pierre and he has got until the end of tomorrow to decide whether to appeal.

“He is going to discuss it with Sir Mark today, but I know they are very concerned they are accused of being in breach of Rule 157.”