Howard Johnson fights for career

Howard Johnson could be fighting for his training career as he answers serious charges at a British Horseracing Authority inquiry.

The County Durham handler is in London for the hearing after admitting to running a horse that had undergone a palmar neurectomy while under his care. The neurectomy to the horse's left fore leg came to light following a post-mortem carried out on Striking Article after the horse was pulled up and euthanised at Musselburgh on 7 February, 2010.

The procedure involves severing nervous connection to the lower leg to cause numbness. It is banned under the Rules of Racing on welfare grounds. Striking Article underwent the procedure in April 2008 yet ran eight times afterwards. Johnson claims he was unaware of the rule that states he should not have run the horse.

The case started yesterday and is expected to last two days. It is unlikely there will be a decision released at the close of play tomorrow.