Sherwood rocked by Hereford controversy
Trainer Oliver Sherwood warned he feels like “packing it up” after being fined £3,000 over the running and riding of Furrows in the bet365.com Novices’ Chase at Hereford.
Jockey Leighton Aspell was hit with a 14-day ban (December 19-22, 26-31, January 1-4) while the horse was suspended from running for 40 days.
The local stewards felt Furrows (20-1) appeared to be tenderly handled when finishing fourth on his debut over fences behind Vulcanite, beaten a total of 11 and three-quarter lengths.
The stewards found Sherwood guilty of schooling/conditioning the horse on the racecourse. In his defence, the Upper Lambourn told the officials the horse had a history of leg problems, was an average jumper at home, and had suffered a nasty fall at Sandown earlier in his career.
He said: “I’m absolutely mortified. I’ve never been accused of anything in 27 years of training.
“I will be appealing, I don’t know how you go about it. I’ve spoken to the NTF (National Trainers Federation).
“I know it didn’t look particularly good. My number one priority is horse welfare. The horse nearly died last year at Sandown.
“It was his first run over fences. The number one (priority) was to get round in one piece.
“The owners are so shocked they want to pull out of racing now. They lost a horse at Hereford that got killed last year, a full-brother to this fella.
“I feel like packing it up.”
