Non-trier rap angers Swinbank

NORTH Yorkshire trainer Alan Swinbank left Catterick racecourse yesterday fuming despite starting the new year with a winner.

Although Swinbank landed the final race of the afternoon with Starting Point, it began in the worst possible way with a £5,000 fine after the stewards deemed that his Ignotus, runner-up in the opening event, was a non-trier.

Claimer Thomas Thompson was banned for 21 days (January 12-February 1), while the horse will not be allowed to run for 40 days (January 4-February 12).

Swinbank said: 'It's a hard enough game without getting done £5,000 at the start of the year.'