Noel Meade and Sean Flanagan succeed in appeal against running-and-riding breach

Noel Meade and Sean Flanagan have succeeded in their appeal against a running-and-riding breach at Thurles earlier this month, with the trainer's €2,000 fine and rider's ten-day ban scrapped.

A 42-day ban initially imposed on Bugs Moran, who finished fourth in the 1m7½f maiden hurdle in question, was also removed after the appeal was heard at Punchestown on Wednesday.

Meade and Flanagan explained that the 12-1 shot was given a poor ride, as the Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey stated his "biggest mistake was early in the race when he had the horse too far back".

Flanagan explained it was his first involvement in a running-and-riding inquiry during his 18-year career and therefore "didn’t articulate his views properly on the day".

Sean Flanagan: successful in appeal against ten-day banCredit: Patrick McCann

Meade, who was in England at the time of the race, said that in 25 years - and with 14,000 runners during that time - he had never before been involved in such an inquiry.

It was also revealed on Thursday that Seamie Heffernan has been unsuccessful in his appeal against an 11-day ban for using his whip above shoulder height at Dundalk earlier this month.

Heffernan said he accepted the breach without properly viewing the replays at the time, but after reviewing the race further felt he was not in breach and it was his own fault for not explaining himself properly on the night.

The leading rider outlined that he had never been before the stewards previously for this particular breach, but visually enhanced photographic evidence suggested his arm was not above shoulder height and the appeal was dismissed.

Lincoln to be sponsored by bookmaker SBK

SBK have been named as the new sponsors of the two-day Lincoln meeting, taking over from Unibet who were involved with the iconic handicap since 2019.

For sportsbook app SBK it is another high-profile sponsorship deal following the involvement with the Clarence House Chase at Ascot in January which proved a vintage race between Shishkin and Energumene.

The Lincoln, due to take place on March 26, is the traditional curtain-raiser of the Flat season and is a popular betting race, making up the first stage of the 'spring double', which is followed by the Grand National.

SBK will be the fifth different bookmaker to sponsor the race since William Hill ended its nine-year association with Doncaster's mile handicap. Betway (2015-17), 32Red (2018) and Unibet (2019-2021) have also been sponsors.

Mujtaba is the 5-1 favourite for this year's race with the new sponsors.

Change to Covid-testing rules for riders in England

Mandatory Covid-19 testing for those in the weighing room in England will end from today following the change in self-isolation rules in the country, the BHA has announced.

Jockeys had been required to produce a negative lateral flow test before entering the weighing room complex since January 11 but that has been scrapped earlier than planned, with it originally expected to end on February 28.

Regular self-testing will be encouraged, while anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 will be advised to stay at home in line with government guidance until they can demonstrate negative tests.

Mandatory Covid-19 testing for those in the weighing room in England will end from todayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Those living, travelling or working in Scotland and Wales should continue to self-isolate and wear face coverings indoors as mandated by their devolved governments.

BHA chief medical adviser Dr Jerry Hill said: "Changes to self-isolation rules, together with promising signs in infection data, enable us to bring forward an end to mandatory testing – although testing on a voluntary basis is still recommended.

"As emphasised previously, Covid-19 still exists, so please continue to do what you can to reduce your own risk and prioritise the health and livelihood of others."

Newmarket card to be sponsored in memory of football legend Glenn Roeder

Glenn Roeder will be remembered at Newmarket racecourse on Saturday, July 23, when the entire card will be sponsored in support of The Brain Tumour Charity as part of a national fundraising initiative.

Roeder, who enjoyed a distinguished career as a football player before managing the likes of Newcastle, West Ham, Norwich and Watford, died in February last year at the age of 65.

A keen supporter of racing, Roeder was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2003.

Roeder’s daughter Holly, who works as racing secretary to Newmarket trainer Robert Cowell, said: "Dad was passionate about his racing and loved being around racing people.

"A raceday in his memory seemed a fitting way to celebrate his life and we're extremely grateful to Newmarket's general manager, Sophie Able, and all our supporters who have come together to help raise vital funds for such an important charity."

On the day there will be a live auction of memorabilia in a marquee on Newmarket’s July course to raise funds for The Brain Tumour Charity, whose research improves the quality of life and chances of survival for an estimated 88,000 children and adults in the UK affected by brain tumours.

Roeder added: "It has been a tough year since losing Dad, who battled so bravely and for so long after his diagnosis. A brain tumour can strike anyone at any time and if we can use this raceday to highlight awareness and raise money to help fund research into understanding and treatments, hopefully we can reduce the suffering of families losing loved ones prematurely."

Extra meeting

An additional all-weather fixture will be staged at Wolverhampton on Saturday. Entries for the eight-race card will close on Thursday. In light of this additional fixture, jockey declarations for the day's other all-weather meeting at Lingfield will be delayed to reflect Wolverhampton's 24-hour declarations.

Northern racing stalwart Gordon Armstrong dies at age of 84

Gordon Armstrong, father of long-serving Newcastle clerk of the course James Armstrong and himself heavily involved in racing, has died at the age of 84.

He worked with Major Verly Bewicke in Northumberland during the time that he trained 1958 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kerstin and was a shareholder in Newcastle racecourse before it was taken over by Sir Stanley Clarke.

Armstrong, who was a steward at Newcastle and Carlisle for more than 25 years, leaves his wife Rosie, son James, daughter Claire and two grandchildren. A private funeral will be held on February 25 with a memorial to follow at a date to be arranged.

HRI appoints new chief financial officer

Roger Casey has been appointed group chief financial officer of Horse Racing Ireland, succeeding the governing body's new chief executive Suzanne Eade in the role.

A well-established fixture within Tattersalls Ireland for the past 14 years having served as finance director and company secretary, the Waterford native is a chartered accountant with more than 21 years' experience, including in international commercial roles.

According to a statement from HRI, Casey will take up the position "in the coming months following an extensive recruitment campaign in which HRI was assisted by Mazars".

Eade said: "I look forward to working with Roger, who brings significant financial expertise and leadership to Horse Racing Ireland, coupled with a strong understanding and appreciation of the racing and breeding industry.

"Roger will have the full backing of a dedicated team in HRI across a diverse portfolio who I have enjoyed working directly with for over six years."

Casey added: "Racing and breeding are part of the fabric of life in Ireland and I'm very aware of the significant impact and footprint of this industry having spent 14 years with a great team at Tattersalls Ireland.

"I'm looking forward to starting this new and exciting role, and working alongside Suzanne Eade, the board and the wider team at HRI.”

Hoiles and Walsh in running for SJA broadcast awards

Two members of the ITV Racing team have been shortlisted for prizes in the broadcast category of the Sports Journalists' Association awards.

Richard Hoiles is in the running to be sports commentator of the year on a shortlist of eight that also includes Clive Tyldesley and Sam Matterface from football and athletics' Steve Cram.

Champion jockey-turned TV expert Ruby Walsh is one of ten people shortlisted in the sports pundit category, alongside the likes of Nasser Hussain, Gary Neville and Ian Wright.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony sponsored by the National Lottery at the Park Plaza in London on March 7.

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