Confusion over 3lb claimer who is also a 23-time champion jockey

David Menuisier is hoping to clarify the situation regarding jockey Didier Gengoul, who did not claim 3lb in a race at Lingfield on Saturday despite having been declared to do so.

Gengoul partnered Rainbow Rising for the trainer and was beaten three-quarters of a length on the 20-1 shot after a decision was taken not to allow him to use the 3lb claim with which he had been declared with, as the clerk of the scales was concerned about the number of winners he had ridden.

The jockey, who is working for the West Sussex-based Menuisier, is a 23-time champion jockey in Martinique and Guadeloupe, but with the French territories having only recently come under the jurisdiction of France Galop, Gengoul has officially ridden only 76 winners.

"When I jocked him up Weatherbys said he was eligible to claim 3lb because he's ridden only 76 official winners," Menuisier explained.

"I asked them if they were sure, and suggested they might want to speak to France Galop, because he's won a lot more races than that and I didn't want to end up being disqualified, but they were happy.

"But at Lingfield on Saturday the clerk of the scales asked if he could claim, and I again said I was more than happy for him not to if there was any doubt and left it up to him. He didn't claim in the end, which is absolutely fine as I just didn't want any problem."

Menuisier insists he is not trying to exploit any loopholes with Gengoul and is more than happy for the jockey not to claim in future.

However, he hopes to receive clarification from the racing authorities as soon as possible to avoid confusion arising again.

"He's a really good jockey, so I'm easy," said the trainer. "I don't put him up to claim, he does a good job for me and I'd like him to ride a few more, but I'm not crying out to get a claim for him because he's a very good jockey."