Bergin hit with lengthy ban Apprentice David Bergin, from Fethard in Co Tipperary, was banned for 28 days after briefly dropping his hands on Classic Colori with victory in sight in the opening race on an eight-race card at Haydock on Saturday afternoon. The 5lb claimer appeared to mistake the half-furlong marker for the winning post in the Betfred "Still Treble Odds" Handicap. Classic Colori made smooth progress to challenge the 7/2 favourite Albaqaa a furlong out and looked as though he could hit the front whenever he wanted. However, Bergin eased off when he was alongside Robert Tart on Albaqaa, trained by P J O'Gorman. Bergin asked his mount for an effort in the last few strides once he realised his error but it was not enough and he was a head down at the line. The first two pulled four and a half lengths clear of Restaurateur in third. Stipendiary steward Simon Cowley said: "The stewards have banned him for 28 days for failing to ride out in the closing stages on a horse that otherwise would have been placed first." Bergin's suspension begins on June 8th.
