Punters told about breathing ops

GRAND NATIONAL-winner Lucinda Russell becomes the first trainer to declare that a runner has had a breathing operation since its last start when Dancing Amy (1.45) runs at Musselburgh today. Russell-trained Dr Hooves (Musselburgh, 4.00) is also one of the four horses declared as having wind surgery since running last, under a new BHA regulation introduced today. Russell said Dancing Amy has undergone a soft-palate cauterisation while Dr Hooves has had a more serious Hobday, a procedure which removes the obstacles in a horse’s airways. Russell said: ‘We are hoping the operations will improve performances. Dr Hooves had his operation in the summer and Dancing Amy has only needed three weeks of rest. It will be fascinating what the data shows. If Dancing Amy improves it will not necessarily be the breathing operation, it could equally be the positive effect of the rest she has had.’ Alberobello (Chepstow, 3.20) and Wimpole (Musselburgh, 4.00) are the other two runners declared after having breathing operations. The BHA has acted after requests from punters for more information. Trainers who fail to report breathing operations face a sliding scale of fines. But punters have been warned to not believe they have suddenly been given information that guarantees profit. The breathing operation information will be carried by Racemail in the Track Facts section at each meeting.