Quinn rules out further legal action

Trainer Mick Quinn today broke his silence after his appeal against a lengthy ban was only partially successful at the Jockey Club on Wednesday.

In June the former professional footballer had been told by the Jockey Club`s disciplinary committee that could not reapply for his licence - he was advised not to comment on the case - until January 1st, 2004 after admitting neglect of three horses in his care.

But at a hearing of the appeals board he had his suspension reduced by 12 months. He is due to have his licence withdrawn tomorrow.

'I think it was a fair hearing and obviously we got some sort of result but it doesn`t help me in the fact that I`m out of business come tomorrow,' Quinn told Sky Racing News.

Quinn has ruled out taking the matter any further and he went on: 'I suppose you could go to High Court or European law but I haven`t got the finances to do that.

'It`s very disappointing and as far as I`m concerned our business finishes tomorrow.'

He has vowed to stay in racing and said: 'You`ve got to look on the positive side. I`ve only ever been a footballer or been involved in racing as an owner for 12 years and then as a trainer.

'It`s a sport I love. It`s a sport I think I`ve got a lot to offer. It`s just very disappointing when you make one mistake and you are hit as hard as you are for this.'

Quinn also slammed the Press for the coverage the story has received.

He said: 'I`m very disappointed with the racing Press for the negativity that`s come across.

'I haven`t had many horses in training. I`ve averaged about 15 or 16 each year. We`ve clocked up nearly 40 winners, 54 seconds, 75 thirds and nearly 60 fourths, which for a small stable is quite a high tally.

'Everything has been negative to do with the case, to do with the Press. I haven`t said a lot. I`ve come on this programme to say a little bit and look forward now.'

Quinn, whose last winner was Hagley Park at Wolverhampton on July 12th, has still to make a decisionon the future of the horses currently in his care.

It is understood that during his suspension there would no restrictions on Quinn owning a yard, looking after horses or being employed as an assistant in another trainer`s stable.

And when asked if he was looking forward to reapplying for his licence on January 1st, 2003 he said: 'I can`t wait.'