Swan has a lash at stewards

Charlie Swan launched his authorised biography, Champion Charlie, yesterday with a stinging attack on the whip rules in Britain.

"The situation is not that bad in Ireland," Swan said, "but in Britain the stewards are so anti-stick and have become so ridiculous over the way they frame and interpret the rules that they are in danger of ruining racing. They also make life impossibly difficult for jockeys."

The book also reveals how the eight-time champion jockey was offered the job as Martin Pipe's stable rider when Richard Dunwoody left Pipe at the end of the 1994-95 season.

Champion Charlie, is written by the Sporting Life Irish correspondent, Michael Clower, is published by Mainstream and costs £14.95.