JOHNSON VERDICT SET FOR FRIDAY

Publication of the verdict in the British Horseracing Authority investigation into Howard Johnson allegedly running a horse in contravention of the welfare rules is expected on Friday.

The County Durham trainer faced nine charges and the decision, and results of the disciplinary panel's findings, were originally set to be made public on or by August 10, before being delayed.

Johnson was informed last week of the panel's findings into any breach of the rules following the conclusion of the hearing, but a decision on any penalty was delayed until all paperwork had been completed by the disciplinary panel.

A horse in Johnson's care, Striking Article, was alleged to have run eight times after undergoing a palmar neurectomy, but the trainer claimed he was unaware of the rule that states he should not have done so.

The neurectomy to the horse's left fore-leg came to light following a post-mortem carried out after he was pulled up and euthanised at Musselburgh on February 7, 2010.

The procedure involves severing nervous connection to the lower leg to cause numbness. It is banned under the Rules of Racing on welfare grounds.

Johnson was also charged under a separate investigation in relation to the administration of laurabolin, an anabolic steroid containing nandrolone, to three other horses under his care.

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