Howard Johnson verdict further delayed as trainer's career hangs in balance

Publication of the verdict in the British Horseracing Authority investigation into Howard Johnson running a horse in contravention of the welfare rules has been delayed once more.

The County Durham trainer faced nine charges and the decision, and results of the disciplinary panel's findings, were set to be made public on or by today.

However, a BHA statement said: "The Disciplinary Panel has informed BHA that, as the reasons are taking longer than anticipated to complete, the result and reasons in relation to Howard Johnson will not be released on Wednesday, 10 August, but on either Thursday 11 or Friday 12."

Johnson, who was informed last week of the panel's findings into any breach of the rules following the conclusion of the hearing, has been fighting to save his career as a trainer. He did admit to running a horse (Striking Article) that had undergone a palmar neurectomy under his care, but he claimed he was unaware of the rule that states he should not have done so.

The neurectomy to the horse's left fore-leg came to light following a post-mortem carried out after he 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 was also charged under a separate investigation in relation to the administration of laurabolin, an anabolic steroid containing nandrolone, to three other horses under his care.

At Ayr yesterday, Lady Layla confirmed the promise of an encouraging debut third by going a couple of places better in the EBF/Courvoisier Maiden Fillies' Stakes. Bryan Smart's youngster had been a big price on her first racecourse start but having shaped with abundant promise, she headed the market this time as the 11-10 favourite.

Tom Eaves was happy to let his mount bowl along at the head of affairs from the outset and she quickened smartly from the turn to put the race to bed. The daughter of Excellent Art continued to increase her advantage in the straight and passed the post with three and three-quarter lengths in hand over newcomer Cosmic Halo.

Eaves soon went on to complete a double as Ian Semple's Blues Jazz secured his fourth victory on the bounce in the Whyte & Mackay Handicap. The 11-4 market-leader, a winner of an apprentice race at the track on Saturday, was ridden conservatively early on before being produced down the centre of the track with just over a furlong to go.

Emeralds Spirit did his utmost to fight off all challengers from the front but he had no answer when Blues Jazz ranged up alongside, with the latter going on to score by a comfortable three-quarters of a length.

Semple said: "He's a bit of an old cripple at home and he shuffles along and gets himself unbalanced. I always thought he'd be a better horse over seven furlongs and while he has taken a while to warm up, he's done it well again. There were times earlier in the year when I thought this one for the door but he's gutsy and he's got a big heart."