WYLIE BLASTS 'DISGUSTING DECISION'

Graham Wylie feels the four-year ban handed down to Howard Johnson is a "disgusting decision".

The owner had struck up a very successful partnership with the trainer who has had his licence revoked for four years by the BHA.

Johnson has indicated he won't appeal against the ban and plans to retire from training and Wylie is also considering his future in the sport.

"I'm absolutely, totally shocked. Howard has been treated like a criminal and he is not," he said.

"I think it's a disgusting decision and I'm disappointed for Howard.

"I just feel so sorry for him because that is not Howard and he looks after his horses incredibly well. He would never do anything to harm a horse.

"I think they (BHA) have come down too heavy handed for the charges that have been made against him.

"It is a very sad day for northern racing as it has lost a very good trainer and they have also lost a very good owner.

"Most of my horses will go the sales and the rest of those that I keep will either go down south to be trained or to Ireland. I shall spend the weekend thinking about it. It's a very sad day."

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