Top trainer fined £6,000

Jonjo O’Neill is to appeal against the £6,000 fine imposed on him by the Jockey Club’s disciplinary panel today (Thursday, 13 February) following a third ‘non-trier’ infringement within two years.

O’Neill, who trains a string of high class jumpers at Jackdaws Castle in the Cotswolds, was sent to Portman Square following the running of Top Of The Left at Exeter in January.

His solicitor Alan Walls said: “The decision of the Jockey Club is going to be appealed against, other than that Mr O’Neill has no comment to make.”

Top Of The Left was beaten 32 lengths in seventh place behind Vanormix after appearing to be tenderly ridden.

In December O’Neill had been in trouble over the running and riding of Madalyar and Gala Performance. No date has been fixed for the appeal against the Top Of The Left decision.