Amateur rider Ridley banned for 28 days

AMATEUR rider James Ridley was handed a 28day ban when he mistook the winning post at Newbury as Triangular came from the clouds and claimed victory in the BJP Insurance Brokers Open Hunters’ Chase.

The winner was a first runner under rules for Ciara Fry, and she might never have a more dramatic one.

Lookslikerainted, a 33-1 chance, appeared to have seen off main challenger Duke Of Lucca when that one departed at the last, and Ridley was poised to register a rare winner.

However, on passing the pole to signify there was half a furlong to run, Ridley began to ease his mount down and Triangular (10030) under Ben Godfrey, finished strongly along with Ballytober as both sped past Ridley leaving him to finish third.

At the resulting inquiry, Ridley suggested the halffurlong pole had caused the problem, with the stewards ruling he was guilty of failing to ride out on a horse that would have finished first.

Ridley, 27, offered his apologies on Twitter, saying: ‘Completely gutted for misjudging the winning post today! Sorry for everyone involved.’ TRAINER Mark Bradstock is relishing a ‘great clash’ at Punchestown between Coneygree and last week’s Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Sizing John.

Bradstock reports Coneygree in fine form as the gifted, yet fragile, 10-yearold prepares for a first outing since November when injury derailed his season.

He has been earmarked for a return to the fray in next month’s Coral Punchestown Gold Cup, in which when he would go head to head with Sizing John from Jessica Harrington’s yard.

‘We’re really, really chuffed with him,’ Bradstock said. ‘It’s going to be a great clash.’