Butler and Ahern punished for `non-trier`

Gerard Butler and new first-choice jockey Eddie Ahern were left reeling by the stewards at Lingfield today.

The pair teamed up for a win with the well-backed Compton Dynamo in the sprint handicap but had earlier been hit by severe punishments under the `non-triers` Rules.

Butler received a Stg£2500 fine and Ahern a 10-day suspension after Loreto Rose finished a never-nearer third in division two of the Littlewoods Maiden Stakes.

The horse was banned from racing for 40 days (February 23rd to April 3th). The race went to the well-backed 11-10 favourite Frazzled, who scored comfortably by three and a half lengths.

Butler was found guilty under Rule 155(ii), for 'failing to give adequate instructions to his rider to ensure the best possible placing' for the filly.

This being Butler`s second such offence within the last 12 months, the stewards had the option of fining him between Stg£2,000 and Stg£3,000.

Ahern was punished under Rule 158, for 'failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure the best possible placing' for the filly.

The Rule states that a jockey can be suspended for between 7 and 14 days.

His ban covers dates between March 2nd and March 23rd when Flat racing is scheduled to take place within this country.

The rider was left fuming at the news that the suspension rules him out of riding at the Dubai World Cup meeting at Nad Al Sheba on March 23rd.

Butler announced earlier this week that fellow Irishman Ahern will be riding the majority of the stable`s runners this season and is expected to have at least two runners at the prestigious meeting.