Champion jumps trainer Paul Nicholls today accused racing of "shooting itself in the foot" after his jockey Ruby Walsh was handed a three-day ban for excessive use of the whip.

The Cheltenham stewards handed out the suspension following Tuesday's Champion Hurdle when Walsh, on Celestial Halo, had a battle royal up the Prestbury Park hill with Barry Geraghty on the eventual winner Punjabi and Tony McCoy on Binocular.

The Champion Hurdle was one of the best races of the National Hunt season and the most thrilling finish at the Festival so far this week.

But instead of revelling in the spectacle Nicholls, who won yesterday's Champion Chase with Master Minded, was left with a bitter taste in his mouth when writing his column in today's Racing Post. He said: "Rules are rules, I accept that but a degree of flexibility is called for on these massive occasions. And by tarnishing a wonderful race with a whip ban, the sport is shooting itself in the foot.

"Celestial Halo did not have a mark on him; no one was hurt and it was a shame the stewards felt they had to act."

Nicholls also reported that Sir Alex Ferguson's What A Friend failed to show his true running when last of six finishers in yesterday's RSA Chase, won by Walsh on Cooldine.

Nicholls added: "What A Friend didn't show his form. He'd had a dirty nose leading up to the race but it was so minor I didn't think it would affect him and we let him take his chance. He'll be back."

Sam Thomas was also suspended for two days for easing up at the finish, costing Ferguson's horse fifth place.