Stewards from Chepstow made a cameo appearance at Ascot on Saturday in order to hold a very belated inquiry into the use of the whip by Aidan Coleman in winning the Welsh National aboard Emperor’s Choice three weeks ago.
They gave him a four-day ban, which will probably draw a line under what had threatened to become an inflammatory issue between jockeys and officials.
Because the ban is limited to just four days, Coleman is able to delay its commencement until a fortnight on Sunday, thereby ensuring he will not miss racedays of any great significance. “A couple of Musselburghs, something like that,” was how he put it.
Asked about the delay in holding the inquiry, Coleman said: “I’ve said very little about it and I will continue to say very little about it. I’m not going to appeal or anything like that.
“Regardless of whether the ride was good or bad or whether you agree with the rules, the rules are still the rules and it’s not up to me to say the rules are wrong.”
“I was very happy with the ride. I’ve gone over the limit, I didn’t know it at the time. I’d hate it to get labelled as a ’win at all costs’ ride. I didn’t pick it up and hit him with any force. A lot of them are flicks.”
The British Horseracing Authority issued a statement making it clear that the Chepstow stewards are regarded in a poor light for failing to deal with the issue on the day, but any action against them is to remain a private matter between employer and employee.
