Association with Queen not expected to change

THE outcome of the inquiry into the use of a prohibited anti-bleeding drug on the Queen's horse Moonlit Path is not expected toaffect Nicky Henderson's role as trainer of royal jumps horses.

The Queen's jump racing advisor, Michael Oswald, on Friday expressed disappointment after Henderson was stopped from making entries for his horses for three months and hit with a record £40,000 fine.

However, asked if the punishment would affect the Queen's association with Henderson, Oswald replied:  "No, I don't see why it should at all."

Moonlit Path is one of a number of horses, including this year's Cheltenham Gold Cup seventh Barbers Shop, Henderson trains for the Queen.

Oswald added: "The six horses are all out at grass at the moment and they would normally go in perhaps in late July early August. Nicky never seems to have much in the way of serious runners until November."

Although Henderson, 58, will be unable to run any of his horses from July 11 to October 10, he can continue to employ his workforce, and his owners can keep their horses with them if they wish.

Don't miss Saturday's Racing Post for the full reaction to Nicky Henderson's punishment and the Moonlit Path case - click here to buy the newspaper online from 9am