TRAINER Toby Balding and jockey Barry Fenton were both bit under the non trier's rule at Exeter yesterday when tenderly handled Polden Pride finished runner up in the Heavitree Brewery Challenge Cup Handicap Chase.
The stewards found that Balding, who was not at the track, was in breach of Rule 151 and fined him £1,000, while Fenton was banned for eight days (March 29th to April 7th) and the horse suspended from running again for 30 days under the same ruling.
Fenton was deputising for the sidelined Tony McCoy aboard the nine year old, who trailed the other three runners in the race for much of the trip before moving into third place after four out.
Polden Pride appeared to be travelling well, as eventual winner Thumbs Up, who set sail for home approaching the final fence, opened up a five length advantage.
The Balding horse jumped the fence in second spot but it was not until halfway up the run in that Fenton elected to ride a finish, without resorting to his whip.
He was rapidly reeling Thumbs Up in going to the line, before being beaten by a length and a quarter. Fenton was heckled by disgruntled punters at the unsaddling enclosure.
After the lengthy inquiry Fenton fumed: "It's a joke! The horse has been off for 284 days, he's had a slight leg problem and my orders were to get him jumping and get him round in one piece."
