British owner punished for hitting rider

Owner David Reynolds was found guilty on Monday by the disciplinary stewards of the British Horseracing Authority of hitting jockey Kieren Fallon and owner Paul Crate at Lingfield Park on March 20. The owner of The Scorching Wind, a horse who was inadvertently impeded by Fallon's mount Elna Bright in a handicap that day, Reynolds was fined approximately $14,800 and ruled off for three months.

Officially, Reynolds was found guilty of violent and improper behavior on premises licensed by the racing authority, and of acting in a manner prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of British racing. The ruling, issued at authority headquarters in London with Reynolds in attendance, does not end the affair in which the construction company owner admitted to slapping Fallon after Fallon, whose mount had been injured during the race, was easing her up and in so doing caused The Scorching Wind to lose her place. Fallon is still considering legal action against Reynolds.