John to return as an amateur after Best controversy

Paul John, the former stable conditional to Jim Best who earlier this year gave evidence against his employer in a BHA hearing into the stopping of two horses, can return to race-riding after yesterday being granted a Category B amateur rider's permit.

With Best able to continue his career following the quashing of his four-year ban due to a perception of bias levelled against disciplinary panel chairman Matthew Lohn, it means both the trainer and jockey involved in the 'non-trier' case are back on the scene.

John admitted to not riding Echo Brava and Missile Man on their merits in late-2015 and gave evidence against Best, claiming he was acting under instructions from the trainer to stop both horses.