Peter Hedger slams stewards after BHA reverses Epsom squirting fine

Peter Hedger criticised racecourse stewards' understanding of horse welfare after learning on Monday the BHA had rescinded the £140 fine he was given at Epsom last week.

Hedger was originally fined when a member of his staff used a squirt of water to try to encourage the Ian Williams-trained Pretty Jewel to go to post before the Amateurs' Derby, but the BHA on Monday downgraded the citing to a caution after trainers, jockeys and racing professionals ridiculed the original decision.

Hedger, who described the whole episode as stressful, said: "They've reconsidered and they're not fining me or anything like that, everyone's had their say and they just need to sit and think a bit and put all these stupid rules into perspective.