Racing: Gold's recovery

CONFUSION reigned once again at the start of a jumps race yesterday, when the tape was raised for the eight-runner handicap chase at Uttoxeter with three horses facing the wrong way.

The starter, William Bennion, was spared total embarrassment when one of the three left behind, Nevada Gold, managed to make up 25 lost lengths and still win. His jockey, Dean Gallagher, felt that Bennion was at fault, saying: 'He was calling us in and then shouted 'Stop lads, stop.' I took a turn, then realised they had gone.'

The stewards, however, decided that four jockeys, Richard Dunwoody, Peter Niven, Adrian Maguire and Richard Davis, had disregarded the starter's instructions and cantered in. A fine of pounds 110 was imposed on each jockey, the first such punishment since a Jockey Club report urged starters to exercise more authority over riders.

'I can't say I agree with the decision, but I have accepted it,' Dunwoody said.