Trainer Mark Johnston has today won his appeal against the fine he received over the running of Champfis at Newcastle last Saturday.
However jockey Darryll Holland, who did not appeal, had the ban handed to him by the Gosforth Park stewards altered to seven by the Jockey Club's disciplinary committee as the nature of his offence changed as Johnston was cleared.
Johnston was found in breach of Rule 158 last week after Champfis finished fourth in the Kronenbourg 1664 Maiden Stakes.
The trainer was not at Newcastle and was found guilty in his absence after his representative Bobby Elliott told the stewards that he was satisfied with the way the horse was ridden.
The committee heard evidence from Johnston, who was legally represented, Holland, Elliott, Johnston's assistant Debbie Albion and various veterinary reports. It also viewed video recordings of the race.
They were satisfied that Johnston had given instructions which, if followed, would not to have led to a breach of the rules by Holland and upheld the trainer's appeal, quashing his £750 fine and the 30-day ban imposed on Champfis.
However, they did draw Johnston's attention to Instruction D5 which deals with trainers' representatives.
Holland was found to have broken Rule 158 in that he had failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to achieve the best possible placing throughout the race. He was handed the minimum seven-day ban for that offence.
His suspension runs from July 10th-16th inclusive.
