Owner banned for Fallon attack

OWNER David Reynolds has been fined £10,000 and disqualified for three months after being found guilty of violent conduct against former champion jockey Kieren Fallon.

At a hearing of the disciplinary panel of the British Horseracing Authority yesterday, Reynolds admitted violent conduct and acting in a manner prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of racing in Britain.

Reynolds assaulted Fallon following the running of the Sportingbet Support Heros 'Super 7' Handicap at Lingfield on 20 March. The altercation took place when Reynolds was upset after his horse The Scorching Wind, who started favourite, finished ninth. He approached Fallon, the rider of last-placed Elna Bright in the unsaddling enclosure.

Paul Struthers, the BHA media relations manager, said: "The entry point penalty for violent conduct toward an official is a fine of 5,000 or a disqualification of three months, so the panel has gone above the entry point by disqualifying Mr Reynolds for that period and, in addition to that ban, fining him 10,000."

The Professional Jockeys Association welcomed the action taken by the disciplinary panel.

Chief executive Kevin Darley, himself a former champion jockey, said: "We are very pleased that the BHA has dealt with this matter swiftly and that it has been made clear that such behaviour towards jockeys is completely unacceptable. We hope and believe that this was an isolated incident; however, there can be no repetition. One of the most attractive aspects of our sport is that spectators can get close to the participants. Jockeys welcome this and the relationship that we have with the racing public. We would not want this to be jeopardised."

In releasing its reasons for the punishment, a statement from the panel read: "

The Panel accepted Reynolds' outburst was out of character, and caused by frustration. He had had bets to win of less than 1,000, the Panel was told, so it is unlikely that their failure was a substantial motive for his conduct."