Ben Curtis criticises inconsistent stewarding as riders react to Paul Hanagan

Top jockey Ben Curtis joined Paul Hanagan on Monday in highlighting inconsistent stewarding decisions and a changing dynamic in the weighing room after the former champion had cited them as contributing to rising incidents of serious interference on the racecourse.

And Derby winner Martin Dwyer, also responding to Hanagan's frank column in Monday's Racing Post in which he claimed riders feared for their safety, said the all-weather in particular had become a "dangerous place" to ride in the winter.

Hanagan was suspended for ten days at Royal Ascot in June following his winning ride in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes, which an independent appeals panel last month labelled "poor and reprehensible", after he caused substantial interference when partnering The Ridler to victory.