David Elsworth fumes after being ejected from Doncaster parade ring
By Geoffrey Riddle
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
By Geoffrey Riddle at Doncaster
Veteran trainer David Elsworth has vowed to never have another runner at Doncaster after he was ejected from the parade ring on Saturday for not wearing the correct accreditation.
The 77-year-old, trainer of staying greats Desert Orchid and Persian Punch, had enjoyed a second succces in the Doncaster Cup at the track just 24 hours earlier with Desert Skyline and was shocked when two security guards led him away for not having his trainer's badge.
They had checked to see whether the Newmarket-based handler was carrying proof of his status after he had saddled Sir Dancealot in the Park Stakes and, as he did not have his trainer’s badge on him, was told he could not remain.
On being told he would have to leave the paddock, and escorted away, Elsworth said: "Are you being serious?"
The security guard replied that she was only doing her job on orders from management, to which Elsworth added said: "You can tell your manager I am never going to bloody run another horse at Doncaster."
Elsworth, involved in racing for 60 years, has Ezemble and Merlin Magic entered in Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster next month, and before Saturday had saddled two winners from two runners at the track this campaign.
Tim Banfield, executive director of Doncaster, said: "It's a really unfortunate situation, and I'm going to apologise to David. It came about because yesterday we had a horse win owned by a syndicate who were in there before the 'horses away' signal.
"We've tried to tighten up on who should and shouldn't be in the paddock and unfortunately David didn't have his trainers' badge with him today.
"If any of us had been down there who recognised David, it wouldn't have happened."
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