Stoute planning Florimund appeal

Michael Stoute will appeal against the £6,500 (€9,500) fine imposed over the running and riding of Florimund at Windsor on Monday evening.

The Khalid Abdullah-owned three-year-old finished 11th, beaten just under eight lengths, in the PSP Association Maiden Stakes.

In addition to Stoute’s fine, jockey Stephen Davies was suspended for 32 days and the horse banned from running for 40 days.

“There is no doubt that I will appeal,” said Stoute. “I didn’t know it happened until this morning but as I am appealing, there isn’t any more that I can say.”

The Windsor stewards interviewed Davies following the race and he stated his instructions were to be handy, but that the colt had been slowly away, which he had been in his two previous runs, and that he was unable to go the early pace.

Jimmy Scott, the trainer’s representative, added that Florimund has always had a problem with the starting stalls and probably wants softer ground.

Having heard all the evidence, the stewards found the rider in breach of Rule 157 and the trainer in breach of Rule 155 (ii).