'It was our duty to pursue the Jim Best case with all our vigour'

First, I would like to make it crystal clear that we had no option but to pursue the Jim Best case with all our vigour. It is our duty as the sport’s regulator to pursue cases where serious allegations are made, no matter how difficult, controversial, and costly they may be.

That is our duty on behalf of participants who act with integrity, honesty and fairness.

The unanimous decision of the panel was Mr Best instructed his young jockey to stop two horses – which strikes at the heart of the sport. An act the panel described as “reprehensible”. Such behaviour must be condemned.