Ramsdenfined pounds 1,000

The trainer Lynda Ramsden yesterday received a pounds 1,000 fine and the jockey Steve Williams was banned for seven days at an inquiry into the running and riding of the sprinter Captain Carat at Leicester three weeks ago.

Mrs Ramsden was found to be in breach of the rules as she failed to ensure adequate instructions were given to Williams.

Williams, whose suspension runs from 22-29 June, was found guilty of not riding out the gelding adequately in the latter part of the race.

Mrs Ramsden was close to tears at the end of the inquiry, which lasted over three and a half hours. "I am completely miffed at this decision and I don't think we are getting the fairest play in the world," she said.

The fine comes soon after the controversy over the victory of Mrs Ramsden's Top Cees in last month's Chester Cup.

Captain Carat's failure at Leicester came after he had previously been reported by the trainer's representative to be unsuited by the track.

But Mrs Ramsden said: "We were misrepresented at the previous inquiry. We never said he wasn't suited to Leicester, although it does seem he is suited by a more level track."

Captain Carat was entered for the second race by Mrs Ramsden's stepson Joe, who had the gelding in his care in the family's satellite yard at Southwell.

"I tried to take the horse out on the day of the race but they said that would cause more trouble - I am now paying for that duff advice," Mrs Ramsden added. "I find this whole thing utterly confusing. They seem to think I haven't given adequate instructions but because of the publicity I said, 'Have the horse handy and try to make the best of your way home.' I am aggrieved and I feel everything we do is watched at the moment."