Jockey Club gives Lower new hope

Jonothan Lower, banned from race riding since he was found to have diabetes last June, will be back on the track if he can prove his fitness in medical monitoring during the next six months.

The Jockey Club said yesterday it will consider an application from Lower for a jockey's licence if doctors give the go ahead.

Lower has continued to work for Martin Pipe, riding out and schooling, and has taken part in racecourse gallops at Newbury and Exeter. "It's good news and encouraging," he said. "I had been told I would never ride again."

n Woodlands Genhire, a 100-1 shot, caused a major upset at Taunton yesterday. The 12-year-old was carrying 44lb more than his true handicap weight and was winning his first race for nearly four years.