Karl Burke’s champing at the bit as he nears return from ban

Karl Burke is counting the days until his return but admits he has no idea how a year's ban from training will affect his career.

The Middleham trainer was warned off by the British Horseracing Authority for a year last summer after admitting passing information for reward.

Burke said: "My ban is due to end on 27 July and we are in the process of applying for a training licence. It is in the hands of the solicitors. I'm sure the BHA will let me know in due course."

His father-in-law, Alan Jarvis, initially took over the reins at Spigot Lodge, where Burke had a string of around 90 horses, including Group One Prix Jean Prat winner Lord Shanakill.

Jarvis's caretaker role finished when the Flat turf season ended and he returned to his Twyford base in Buckinghamshire.

Burke spent the spring completing a charity bike ride that took him to every British racecourse and he raised close to £10,000 despite being prevented from entering any of the 60 tracks.

Now he is champing at the bit to return to training. Burke said: "I can't wait to get involved again but there is no telling how many people will support me.

"It is not going to be like turning on a light switch. A lot of people promised they'd back me but I haven't a clue if people will keep their promises because, under the terms of the ban, I have not been allowed to actively chase owners."

Dick Turpin is set to clash again with stablemate Canford Cliffs in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on 28 July after breaking his Group One duck in the Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly yesterday.

A spokesman for the Richard Hannon stable said: "Dick Turpin's owner John Manley is not worried about taking on Canford Cliffs again and the colt likes the track."