Michael Stainton delighted with comeback wins after two-year corruption ban

Jockey Michael Stainton on Monday said he was over the moon to have ridden two winners from his first four rides after serving a two-year corruption ban.

Stainton, 34, struck on his second ride back on the Chris Fairhurst-trained Benadalid at Chester and was in the winner's enclosure again on Saturday when scoring on Double Reflection for Karl Burke at Leicester.

"Before I got banned I wasn't exactly successful, I just got by, but riding was something I enjoyed doing," he said. "I'm mad for coming back into racing just to get a couple of rides here or there, but I don't do it for the money or the glory, I do it because I love it. It's the only reason I've come back.

"The Chester race was a step up in trip. Paul Mulrennan had been riding the horse and said it would go well, which in the end it did. I was over the moon and appreciated Chris Fairhurst giving me a chance to come back and reveal myself.

"It is the same for Karl Burke too, who has stood by me, so I'm happy."

Stainton had ridden eight winners in three seasons when he was found guilty in July 2015 of being part of a conspiracy with former owner and punter David Greenwood over the running and riding of Ad Vitam in 2011 and 2012. He denied the charges but lost an appeal in January 2016.

"I didn't think they had a strong case against me but I was made an example of and have sat on my hands for two years out of the racing game, which was something I'd been involved in for 16 years," he reflected.

"I spent the time labouring. I live in Middleham, where it is either farming or racing. I didn't fancy doing farming so I did a bit of labouring for two years.

"Before I got banned I was only getting 50-60 rides a year. Any normal jockey would pack up but I enjoy what I do and will keep chipping away. The case is all behind me and I just want to look forward and get on with things."

Stainton will do just that at Wolverhampton on Tuesday when he partners Catlin for Nick Kent in the first division of the fillies' novice event (4.15).

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