Crisford employee fined at Windsor after attempting to kick horse in groin area

One of Simon Crisford's members of staff was on Sunday fined £200 by the raceday stewards at Windsor after he was observed attempting to kick the yard's runner Mofaaji in the groin area.

The incident happened before the three-year-old colt's debut in the 6f novice stakes, in which he finished third, having been sent off the even-money favourite.

An inquiry was held after the on-course equine welfare integrity officer witnessed Crisford's employee attempting to kick the colt when the groom and colt were leaving the racecourse stables.

After hearing the evidence of the equine welfare integrity officer, the veterinary officer and Crisford’s employee, the travelling head man was found guilty of acting in an aggressive manner towards Mofaaji and fined.

Windsor: where the incident took place

Crisford was not at the course, but said of the incident: "One of my travelling head men, who has more than 40 years' experience in racing, was in attendance, dealing with a very difficult situation.

"The stables had been moved around and Mofaaji ended up in a barn opposite a filly which made him extremely colty. He was never focused on the race as he had his mind on other things and was being dangerous.

"The horse has been a handful and had been very coltish all day. He had repeatedly been climbing all over the groom who was leading him up.

"He [the travelling head man] acted in a very inappropriate manner as he attempted to flick the end of the horse's penis with his foot in an attempt to get him to draw it back in.

"He should have used a more appropriate method, such as a bucket of water. It is not defensible, the stewards have fined him and I will discipline him accordingly."

Read The Briefing from 8.30am daily on the Racing Post mobile app with all the day's latest going, weather, market moves and non-runner news