Racing: Knight fined over 'tenderly ridden' horse

The stewards ruled the mare had been "tenderly ridden" and suspended Murphy from 14 to 27 November, thus ruling him out of the Betfair Chase at Haydock as well as the Hennessy meeting. They banned the horse from running between 8 and 17 November.

Murphy told the stewards his orders had been to take his time as the mare had a history of wind problems and might struggle to get home. He also reported she had made a noise before three out so he let her get a second wind. Knight confirmed this, saying the mare had a breathing operation over the summer and that she was satisfied with Murphy's ride.

The trainer said: "I'm amazed and disappointed. I'm definitely going to take legal advice. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before and I saw nothing wrong with the ride. The horse has a history of wind problems that have been well documented. The stewards knew that. It's the last straw in a trying week."

Murphy said: "It was unexpected and a bit severe. I'll have to look at the race again and talk to someone about it before I consider whether to appeal."

Harringay had not raced since finishing eighth at Newbury in April.