Gordon Elliott hit with £3,000 fine for schooling in public at Ayr

Gordon Elliott has been fined £3,000 for schooling in public after Braid Blue finished fifth in the 2m novice hurdle at Ayr on Wednesday.

Racecourse stewards held an inquiry into the running and riding of the six-year-old, who was found to have stayed on under "apparent tender handling", finishing nine lengths behind the winner Galvin, who is also trained by Elliott.

Jockey Henry Brooke was suspended for 14 days (February 20 to March 5), while Braid Blue was banned from running for 40 days.

Brooke told stewards he was instructed to sit seventh or eighth, on the bridle, and get the gelding jumping and travelling and to ensure he finished the race. He added his mount had jumped very poorly on his hurdles debut at Galway in September, when ridden by Davy Russell.

However, Brooke was deemed to have failed to ride Braid Blue in order to achieve the best possible placing, or ask for timely, real or substantial effort.

Braid Blue, owned by PJ McBurney, started at 16-1 in the 14-runner field, with Galvin sent off the 3-10 favourite.

The Racing Post comment-in-running for Braid Blue read: "Held up midfield, steady headway going well 3 out, went left last, shaken up briefly run-in, never near to challenge."

The incident soured what was a fruitful day for Elliott at Ayr, where he had three winners from just five runners. The trainer said he would prefer to study the contest on video before considering whether to comment.

Elliott will not be appealing the penalties imposed by the stewards at Ayr on Wednesday.

Braid Blue was banned from racing or 40 days and, speaking on Thursday, Elliott said: "I've decided not to appeal the fine or the ban on the horse."

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