Gordon Elliott lands three-timer at Ayr but cops £3000 fine for schooling in public
The Irish trainer was dealt the hammer blow after Braid Blue was deemed not to have given his all in the 2m novice hurdle
GORDON ELLIOTT felt the wrath of the stewards on Wednesday as his horse Braid Blue was deemed to have been given "apparent tender handling" by jockey Henry Brooke.
The six-year-old finished nine lengths behind a well-backed stablemate in the 2.00 at Ayr.
It was a mixed day for the trainer, who landed a hat-trick of wins with Galvin, Veinard and Arion Sky - but copped a £3000 fine for schooling in public.
Stewards decided Brooke was also in on the act and suspended him for 14 days, stating "he did not ask for a timely, real and substantial effort to obtain the best possible placing".
Brooke replied that he'd been instructed to sit on the bridle in midfield and to get the gelding jumping and travelling to make sure he finished the race.
He also said his mount had jumped very poorly under Davy Russell on hurdles debut at Galway.
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The horse, Braid Blue, was prevented from running for 40 days.
Elliott stated he would think about an appeal once he'd watched the video back.