EAST YORKSHIRE's best known horse trainer Ian McInnes has been disqualified for three years after being found guilty of running a horse after it had undergone a prohibited operation.
The handler, who has stables in Catwick near Hornsea, was accused of running Commando Scott nine times after a procedure to desensitise the horse's nerves in July 2008, allowing it to feel less pain.
The procedure involves severing nervous connection to the lower leg and is banned on welfare grounds.
A British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel concluded that McInnes ran the horse contrary to the rules and that he failed to conduct his business of training racehorses with reasonable care and skill.
He has also been found guilty of misleading officials during the ensuing investigation and handed a further penalty of six months - although both suspensions will run concurrently.
McIness' disqualification runs from June 22, 2013 to June, 21 2016.
Trainer Howard Johnson faced similar charges in 2011 and was also banned for three years by the BHA.
Mr McInnes was unavailable for comment.
