Woe for trainer Wigham as he faces up to record fine

Wigham was referred to the BHA disciplinary panel along with jockey Jamie Mackay over the performance of Granakey at Kempton on Wednesday evening.

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The BHA beefed up its penalties in the summer in an attempt to clamp down on an area which infuriates punters.

The minimum fine for a second offence is £15,000 but the entry point recommendation is £20,000 with a maximum of £35,000.

The BHA panel also have the power to prevent Wigham from entering any of his horses in races for between 21 and 42 days.

Wigham, 49, a trainer for eight years and rider of 600 winners as a Flat jockey, said: "I didn't know these penalties had been increased. As there is an inquiry pending into Granakey I don't wish to say anything at this stage."

The three-time winner, a 14-1 shot, finished ninth of 11 to Arfinnit in the six-furlong handicap, beaten over six lengths.

Close up analysis of the race read: steadied start, held up in last, shuffled along two furlongs out, never reached leaders.

Wigham, who has a 14-horse string, was fined £5,000 over the running and riding of Silver Hotspur at Newmarket on June 22.

On appeal, the fine was raised to £7,500 and jockey Brett Doyle's riding ban increased from 28 to 33 days.

The largest fine ever imposed on a trainer was £17,500 for David Elsworth in December 1988 following a hearing into three wins by the chaser Cavvies Clown in January that year.

Elsworth's fines amounted to £3,500 for each race after the horse was found to have tested positive to steroids, coupled with a £3,500 veterinary fine for administering a prohibited drug.

He also received a £3,500 penalty for denying the horse had had such treatment.

The ability of the BHA to refuse to take entries from a stable is seen as a major deterrent compared to the banning of individual runners.

A Classic horse could forfeit the chance of a Derby run, for example, for the misdemeanor involving an inferior stablemate.