London 2012 Olympics: Ben Ainslie raging at rival after penalty blow

The three-time gold medallist came into his fifth Olympics as favourite to top the podium, but failed to finish ahead of the Dane in the first six races. Ainslie returned to the home waters seemingly reinvigorated after a rest day and quickly went about narrowing Hogh-Christensen’s lead from ten points to three.

The 35-year-old got a bullet in his first race and then finished third ahead of the Danish leader, despite having to do a penalty turn for touching the third mark – which he claims he did not do.

Instead, Ainslie alleges Hogh-Christensen and the Netherlands’ Pieter-Jan Postma worked in cohorts to get him punished. “The Dutch and the Danish guys basically teamed up against me to claim I hit the mark when I didn’t,” he said. “I was pretty p***** off with that, to be honest, at this level. I had no option but to take the turn because in the protest room I would be sure to lose as it was two against one. That is disappointing but it has made me pretty angry and wanting to make amends tomorrow.”

Asked if it was dirty tactics, he said: “At this level they are going to take any advantage they can. I am sure I didn’t hit the mark but maybe their time will come.”

Ainslie has two opening series races today plus Sunday’s medal race to usurp Hogh-Christensen.