Racing: Respected trainer weighs up future

LONDON - David Elsworth, who trained racing greats Desert Orchid and Persian Punch, is considering his future in the sport after losing an appeal at a English Jockey Club inquiry, his lawyer said.

Elsworth, 65, had appealed against a 1500 ($4000) fine he picked up over the running and riding of Wavertree Boy on the horse's debut in a hurdle race at Taunton 11 days ago.

The trainer had fallen foul of the rule that says adequate instructions must be given to the jockey to ensure a horse runs on its merits.

Wavertree Boy, ridden by apprentice Richard Young, had been off the track since September 2003.

The horse started 4-1 second favourite but under a tender ride from Young was well behind in the early stages. Despite making some headway in the final half mile he was eventually beaten by just over 20 lengths.

Young, who was banned for 10 days by the Taunton stewards, told the three-man Jockey Club panel: "It was a bad ride, an embarrassing ride. It's something I'm not proud of."

Elsworth, who said he had told the owners their horse had a good each way chance, told the inquiry: "I gave him [Young] detailed instructions on the best way to ride the horse to win."

The appeal panel upheld the decision of the Taunton stewards who had been told on the day by Elsworth that he was satisfied with the ride Young gave the horse.

Lawyer Graeme McPherson said Elsworth had told the Taunton stewards at the time he was thinking about surrendering his licence if he was found in breach of the rule. "That remains his view."

McPherson added: "I know how disappointed David is with the result and he remains of the view that the horse was running entirely on its merits. He has always been disappointed in the ride the jockey gave the horse and he doesn't feel he has done anything wrong.

"I know he feels strongly enough to consider his future in racing."

Elsworth has been training for over 25 years and both Desert Orchid and Persian Punch are part of British racing folklore.

- REUTERS