Garritty must face the Jockey Club

Russ Garritty was found to be in breach of the non-triers' rule at Edinburgh yesterday following his riding of the Lynda Ramsden-trained Top Cees. The northern jockey was referred to the Jockey Club by the track's stewards. Garrity could face a fi ne or a stiff suspension.

Top Cees, who had drifted to 8-1, finished a close third. The hurdler was held up in the early stages but made headway from the third last, losing by a head and one and a quarter lengths. But the stewards took the view that Garritty had ridden the horse tenderly.

Garritty, clearly upset by the verdict, said: "I was smacking the horse round the backside. There was nothing more I could do."

Jack Ramsden, the trainer's husband, said: "The only thing he didn't do was give the horse six hard smacks and that's not the way we like our horses to be ridden.''