Three-day ban for Hind

Gary Hind was furious yesterday after being handed a three-day ban under the "non-triers" rule at Folkestone.

Hind called it "a poor decision", after being stood down for 14 to 16 August following his ride on John Gosden's Literary, which was beaten six and a half lengths into fifth behind Country Thatch in last race. He described Literary as a stubborn filly that he was trying to relax, but the stewards felt he could have brought her home in third place.

The incident overshadowed a fine piece of training by Con Horgan with Country Thatch, who 12 months ago underwent an operation for a soft palate. Horgan said: "He had a terrible wind problem and made a hell of a noise. It's taken a long time to get his confidence back."