Racing: Bad riding sinks Battleship

The Newmarket trainer Neville Callaghan angrily announced at Lingfield yesterday that the apprentice jockey Seb Sanders would never again ride for his stable. Minutes earlier the rider had been caught napping on Callaghan's Battleship Bruce.

Sanders was fined £375 by the stewards for failing to ride out the colt. The jockey eased down the 11-8 second favourite a furlong out when 10 lengths clear. But 16-1 shot No Pattern came with a flying late run to snatch victory by a short head.

Callaghan said: "I wouldn't mind if it was down to inexperience - the kid is only two winners off losing his 5lb claim. To be 15 lengths clear two out and get caught is unforgiveable. It's the first time he has ridden for me - and it'll be the last.''

Sanders said: ``I would like to publicly apologise to Mr Callaghan and all those people who backed the horse.'' One course punter had put £2,400 to win on Battleship Bruce.