Racing: Swan's gain

Charlie Swan, Ireland's champion jumps jockey, succeeded yesterday in persuading officials in Melbourne to reduce the five-week suspension they imposed on him for careless riding. The ban will now last four days.

Swan appeared before the Victoria Racing Club committee to appeal over a blunder he made at the Sandown course on Wednesday. The committee took into consideration Swan's unfamiliarity with the track.

Riding the 13-8 favourite King Taros, Swan had jumped the last fence with a clear lead but then failed to switch from the chase track to the main course where the winning post is sited.