Racing: Quinn sparks punter anger and Club action

The Jockey Club may increase the penalty for jockeys who lose races by dropping their hands. Jimmy Quinn yesterday became the latest rider to receive a 14-day suspension from the stewards - and abuse from the public - when he forfeited Lingfield's opening race on Badrinath, easing his mount down and being caught by the short-head winner, Bon Guest.

Quinn apologised to Hugh Collingridge, Badrinath's trainer, and the public, but his words did little to soothe those who staked pounds 4,330 on Badrinath in recorded bets. One of those punters, Alf Walls, said: "I had a very substantial bet on Badrinath and I think that Quinn, probably the most experienced jockey on the all-weather, should have got three months."

Now the Jockey Club will consider an increase in that direction from the 14 days maximum that course stewards can impose for such offences. The Club's spokesman, John Maxse, said: "The penalty was increased from 10 to 14 days last year, but if jockeys continue to make these mistakes the Disciplinary Committee will have no option but to re-examine the penalties."