Howard Johnson retires following a four year ban for ‘de-nerving’ Striking Article and using steroids on horses
Horse Trainer, Howard Johnson, has decided to retire after a verdict from British Horseracing Authority to put a four year ban on him. He has received a three year ban for de-nerving a horse named Striking Article and one year ban on using anabolic steroids
on horses under his care.
Striking Article had undergone a surgery called palmar neurectomy in which the horse stops feeling any pain in the back of his foot .The neurectomy was performed in his left foreleg in April 2008. This procedure is prohibited in the racing industry.
Howard Johnson, 58, claims he was unaware that the procedure was not allowed in the racing industry.
According to a vet, the neurectomy might not cause any pain to the horse but it blocks all the nerves in the long run. It can cause involuntary movement of the foot which is dangerous for the jockey riding that horse.
Striking Article ran eight races following the surgery and he was disqualified in all of them. He was put to death in February 2010. A post mortem after his death disclosed the surgery performed on him.
The Head of Communications of British Horseracing Authority said that the verdict was an appropriate sanction for two very serious offences.
He also said that Mr. Johnson has been reckless and has shown disregard to the policies of the British Horseracing Commission.
Owner of Striking Article, Graham Wylie, is a staunch supporter of Howard Johnson and called the verdict a ’disgusting decision’. He also said that the northern racing has lost a good trainer.
Howard Johnson is based in Durham County, United Kingdom. He is responsible for several victories in his careers, including Inglis Drever's victory in the Ladbrokes World Hurdles thrice. He has also trained Masta Plasta who won the Norfolk Stakes in 2005.
Howard Johnson cannot enter any licensed racing premises until August 2015.
Hence, he decided it was best to say goodbye to the sport for good and not file any appeal against the verdict.
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