The BHA has today issued the following statement after the independent Disciplinary Panel imposed a suspension of four months, with two months deferred for two months, on licensed trainer Sir Mark Todd:

We are grateful to the Disciplinary Panel for their time in considering this case and acknowledge the penalty handed down this afternoon. As Sir Mark has himself recognised in public statements since the video emerged and in accepting that he was in breach of Rule (J)19, his behaviour on this occasion fell short of the standard expected of all licensed individuals and ran contrary to the values of care and respect for the horse that underpin British racing.