Blueprint to avoid inquiry blunders

Racing’s ruling body has also announced a number of new protocols following an investigation into Walton that spanned three years before charges were dropped days before a disciplinary hearing was due to begin last March.

The apology, from BHA chief executive Nick Rust, was also extended to Jim Boyle, another trainer caught up in the BHA’s flawed procedures.

Walton is no longer a licensed trainer, though she is now a key member of the team at Micky Hammond’s dual purpose yard in Middleham which is enjoying a rich run of success.

“I would like to add my sincere apologies to them both for falling short of the required standards,” said Rust.

As well as a new integrity strategy, the BHA blueprint will include the creation of a formal investigation charter so those involved in any disciplinary case are aware of their rights and obligations from the outset.

Overseen by Sir Paul Stephenson, a former commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, the findings were backed by the National Trainers’ Federation chief executive Rupert Arnold.

“We are pleased that the review acknowledges that there have been failings in the investigatory and disciplinary processes,” he said. “We would especially point to the recommendation to create an investigation charter and code of conduct. Defendants must be treated properly and understand how the process will develop.

“We also welcome the other recommendations including an emphasis on protection and education and alternative methods of dealing with minor offences as well as exploring the provision of pro bono legal advice for disciplinary hearings.”

Warren Greatrex’s stable star Cole Harden will go novice chasing next season as the trainer looks to keep options open for his horse.

A winner of Wetherby’s West Yorkshire Hurdle in 2014, a trailblazing Cole Harden led from start to finish to land last year’s World Hurdle at Cheltenham under an inspired Gavin Sheehan.

However, the horse is winless since that famous triumph and could finish only a brave fourth to Thistlecrack, jump racing’s new superstar, when he defended his World Hurdle title.

A potential rematch with Thistlecrack in next month’s Liverpool Stayers’ Hurdle at Aintree’s Grand National meeting is on the cards, but Greatrex is philosophical.

“He ran his heart out. Obviously the winner is exceptional and the second is very good too,” he said. “It probably didn’t help they watered the track the night before, but such is life. The time was slower than he produced last year.

“He’ll go to Aintree now. I was hoping Thistlecrack wouldn’t go there. If he gets prize money, that’s fine. You never know, some horses can have an off day, but he’s come out of the race well.

“The plan initially was to go chasing next year. We might mix and match a bit. We might even go chasing and stay hurdling.

“He puts a lot into his races and I don’t want him to have a hard time all the time. Going novice chasing early doors, you would like to think there’d be a couple of easy opportunities which would give him confidence.”

Nunthorpe Stakes heroine Mecca’s Angel is likely to re-appear in the Temple Stakes at Haydock on May 21, with the usual proviso of suitable ground.

Trained at Darlington by Michael Dods, she showed what she was capable of when conditions allowed at York in August, sprinting past the American-trained favourite Acapulco.

Her need for a cut in the ground limited her to just three outings last summer and the only time the word ‘soft’ was not in the description was when she met with her sole defeat at the Curragh. Now five, Mecca’s Angel has won eight of her 14 starts and a return to York for the Nunthorpe will be the main objective.

Jockey Connor Beasley, who suffered life-threatening injuries in a fall at Wolverhampton nine months ago, is set to return to the saddle at the West Midlands track on Sunday. He remains attached to the Dods yard.

A treble at Haydock took North Yorkshire jockey Brian Hughes to the 96-winner mark for the current campaign.

Two of the wins came for Malton trainer Malcolm Jefferson, with Hughes just 10 wins short of equalling his career best tally of 106 from last season.