Alston And Durcan penalties reduced Trainer Eric Alston and jockey Ted Durcan were both partially-successful in their appeals heard by the Jockey Club`s disciplinary committee after being punished under the 'non-triers'` rules at Southwell last week.Alston was fined Stg£1,500, Durcan banned for 10 days and Sheer Focus banned from running for 40 days after the horse, a 16-1 chance, had finished sixth to Sea Storm in the southwell-racecourse.co.uk Handicap on July 5.And after a lengthy hearing this morning, the penalties on trainer and jockey were reduced to £1,000 and seven days respectively.Evidence was heard from both men, who were legally represented, but Durcan - although cleared of a breach of Rule 157 - was adjudged to have 'failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that the gelding was given a full opportunity of obtaining the best possible placing', covered by Rule 158.Durcan`s suspension now runs from July 21-27.Alston was found to be breach of Rule 155 (ii) -failure to give adequate instructions to the rider.The horse`s suspension remains in place.
