Racing: Dettori gives evidence at inquiry

The inquiry into the strike by 21 jockeys which forced the abandonment of racing at Haydock on 16 October should reach a conclusion this afternoon, after hearing almost two days of evidence from the riders and officials involved.

Lanfranco Dettori, Walter Swinburn and Willie Ryan were among 11 jockeys to appear at Portman Square yesterday, while Paul Barton and William Nunnerley, the stewards' secretaries at Haydock, also gave their side of the story. If found guilty of a breach of the Rules of Racing, the riders involved could face fines or suspension.

The Jockey Club has advised riders involved that while the hearing continues none of them should offer any comments on its progress. Michael Caulfield, the Jockeys Association secretary, said: "I'm involved in the inquiry and can't say a thing."