More controversy for amateurs as Johnny Barry is dealt 12-day ban after Kim Muir

The controversy surrounding amateur jockeys at the Cheltenham Festival continued on Thursday as rider Johnny Barry received a 12-day ban for continuing to persevere on Drumconnor Lad in the Kim Muir Challenge Cup when it was deemed "contrary to the horse's welfare".

Drumconnor Lad, a 100-1 shot, was tailed off under Barry when falling at the last fence.

Barry's punishment comes just two days after three amateur riders were banned and criticised by the BHA following a chaotic running of the National Hunt Chase at the meeting on Tuesday.

Following the Kim Muir the BHA reported: "The veterinary officer who examined Drumconnor Lad at the last fence reported that the horse was recumbent for four-to five minutes and appeared to be very tired.

"Upon a second examination on returning to the stables Drumconnor Lad exhibited stiffness and tiredness."

It added: "Mr Barry was suspended for 12 days as he had continued in the race when it was contrary to the horse’s welfare."

It also emerged that 18 of the 24 riders in the Kim Muir were handed one-day bans for breaking start rules by failing to walk or jig-jog their mounts into the start.

All participants in the false start bar Harley Dunne, Noel George, Michael Legg, Noel McParlan, Gina Andrews and Lucy Turner were penalised.

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