Jason Ward: Trainer fined for using 'racially offensive language'

Trainer Jason Ward has been fined by the British Horseracing Authority for using "racially offensive language".

The Briton used a racial stereotype when discussing his horse Monte Cinq on the At The Races television channel.

Ward admitted to the disciplinary panel that he had "showed a serious lack of judgement" and accepted his comments were "lewd and unprofessional".

The North Yorkshire trainer apologised on his website after the incident on 1 November.

Ward was fined £1,200 for "acting in a manner which was prejudicial to the good reputation of horse racing in Great Britain".

His original comments were made after 10-1 chance Monte Cinq won a five-furlong maiden race at Wolverhampton.

Ward, who is the son of famous Doncaster trainer Bob Ward and grandson to champion jockey Charlie Ward, wrote on his website: "It's very, very important that I apologise sincerely to anyone that I have offended with my post-race comments.

"It was not meant in a racist way in any shape or form and I can only apologise for my choice of words."

BHA spokesman Robin Mounsey said: "There is no place in British racing for racially offensive language."