Denman’s owner banned for betting against his own horse

The owner of Gold Cup winning racehorse Denman has been disqualified from racing for six months after admitting betting on one of his horses to lose in two races.

British Horseracing Authority rules state that owners may not “lay” their own horses.

Professional gambler Mr Findlay admitted “laying” his horse Gullible Gordon on two occasions — in a novice hurdle at Exeter on 21 October 2008 and a novice chase at Chepstow on 10 October 2009.

The BHA disciplinary panel, sitting on Wednesday and Thursday this week, heard Mr Findlay had been in financial difficulties at the time.

The ban means none of the horses Mr Findlay owns or part-owns with his mother, may run for six months.

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