Owner charged over Fallon altercation

OWNER David Reynolds has been formally charged by the British Horseracing Authority with two breaches of the rules of racing in relation to his altercation with Kieren Fallon at Lingfield last Saturday.

Reynolds will attend a hearing on Monday for his actions following the Sportingbet Support Heros "Super 7" Handicap.

The owner of The Scorching Wind, the 3-1 favourite who eventually finished ninth, approached Fallon, the rider of last-placed Elna Bright in the unsaddling enclosure. He is reported to have punched Fallon in the face as well as striking Elna Bright's owner Peter Crate on the side of the face.

In his conduct, Reynolds may also be found guilty of rule (A)30, acting in a way which was likely to, and did, prejudice the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of racing.

For carrying out violent conduct to a jockey or owner, the worst-case scenario would be a year's ban from racing, while the second charge carries with it a heavy fine or even a three-year suspension.

Meanwhile, Denis O'Regan is likely to be back aboard Black Apalachi for the gelding's third attempt at the Grand National.

O'Regan has ridden the Dessie Hughes-trained gelding twice before, when unseated at Becher's Brook in last year's National and when winning the Becher Chase in November 2008.

Black Apalachi fell at the second fence in the previous season's National for Andrew McNamara. Now 11, he was second to stablemate Vic Venturi on his most recent start in the Bobbyjo Chase, usually a notable Irish trial for Aintree.

Owner Gerard Burke said: "It's up to Dessie, but as far as I know Denis O'Regan is riding him again."