Verdict delayed in Johnson case

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Johnson to "defend his name until dying day"

The British Horseracing Authority inquiry says its verdict on welfare and doping charges against trainer Howard Johnson will be delivered on 10 August.

A disciplinary panel finished hearing evidence on nine charges on Tuesday.

Johnson is charged with running Striking Article eight times after the horse had had a palmar neurectomy.

The operation involves severing or removal of leg nerves running to the foot and can leave the horse unaware of any possible pain.

He is also charged with administering steroids to three of his other horses.

A guilty verdict could lead to a lengthy ban for Johnson, who has held a trainer's licence since 1986.

WHAT IS A NEURECTOMY?

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• Nerve blocking below the knee
• Horses are barred from racing following such an operation because it means they feel no pain, causing a potential hazard to the animal and rider

But the County Durham trainer told BBC Sport he has done nothing wrong and would stand by that "until his dying day".

He added: "I have done nothing wrong at all but I am not the best man at reading the rules of racing.

"I admitted that the vet de-nerved the horse but I didn't know it was called a neurectomy. The horse was in pain with the state of his feet, and the corns. We relieved the pain of that horse to run eight times, and the horse won three races."

Johnson said the horse would not have pulled up on his final start [at Mussleburgh in February 2010] if he had no feeling in his foot.

Striking Article was put down after that race. It was discovered in the post-mortem that the neurectomy had taken place.

Johnson says he was not aware of the rules and did not know that a horse that had been de-nerved was banned from racing on welfare grounds, and because it could affect the safety of the jockey.

He also denies the charge of giving the steroid laurabolin to three horses, Whisky Magic, Mintaka Pass and Montoya's Son.

BBC Sports news correspondent Joe Wilson said: "Tuesday was a long day of deliberations in what has become a high-profile welfare case without precedent in British racing.

Analysis

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Howard Johnson's case seemed to be based on naivety, stating he did know it was against racing rules for a horse to run after undergoing a neurectomy, suggesting he did not even know what the term meant. The regulations make it clear that a horse musn't race after having the nerve in its lower leg removed as it risks the safety of both animal and rider

Joe Wilson BBC sports news correspondent

"Howard Johnson and his legal team left the hearing without comment when it finally finished. The trainer knows his fate, but officially we will not discover it until 10 August. Only then will the BHA's panel make clear their reasoning, explaining whether he was in breach of the rules, and indeed how heavily he will be punished. However the fact that the panel sat until 5pm might strongly suggest it was not a simple 'not guilty' verdict.

"In terms of punishment Johnson could face as much as a 10-year ban, if it's decided he was indeed in breach of the rules and guilty of 'wilful cruelty'. What's certain is that welfare groups will hang on every word of the disciplinary panel's explantions when they are finally revealed, and any perception of leniency will be scrutinised intensely"

Johnson's most notable wins have come in connection with owner Graham Wylie, most notably with Inglis Drever, winner of three World Hurdles at the Cheltenham Festival.

In April 2010, Johnson told how he and his wife Sue were robbed of �100,000 at gunpoint during a raid at their farm.

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Dyson pips Green to Irish Open crown

England's Simon Dyson won his fifth European Tour event at the Irish Open in Killarney.

• England's Simon Dyson wins the Irish Open at the Killarney Golf and Fishing club
• Dyson beats Australian Richard Green by one shot to win on 15-under-par
• Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy finish over ten shots off the pace
• Padraig Harrington splits with long time coach Bob Torrance

(CNN) -- England's Simon Dyson capitalized on Richard Green's mistake on the final green to take the Irish Open title by one shot.

Green, from Australia, led the tournament for most of the final afternoon but a three-putt on the 18th green opened the door for Dyson, who made two birdies in the final three holes to win on 15-under-par.

Victory secures Dyson a place at this week's Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio and builds on his ninth-placed finish at the British Open earlier this month.

Scotland's Stephen Gallacher finished third while major champions Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy, both from Northern Ireland, finished over ten shots off the pace.

Dyson told the European Tour's official web site: "It's a shame you can't bottle how you feel sometimes. It's amazing -- it really is. The golf I've played this week is probably the best I've ever played."

After securing his fifth win on the European Tour and scooping prize money of $369,000 Dyson said he was delighted to have qualified for the Bridgestone Invitational.

The golf I've played this week is probably the best I've ever played
--Simon Dyson

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• Golf
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• Graeme McDowell

"That was the main aim after The Open," he added. "I knew after that I could cut with the guys in the majors and I was thinking if I keep swinging it as I am I'm going to give myself chances."

Dyson and Green were level going down the last but Green sent a 60-foot putt past the hole and missed the return.

Dyson made a par to seal his win but afterwards said he felt sympathy for his rival.

"You always feel sorry for somebody when that happens," added Dyson. "I would have much preferred to win it with a birdie, but I will take whatever I can get."

McIlroy finished in 34th place on three-under after finishing with a round of 71 but said he was focused on the year's fourth and final major -- the US PGA Championship that starts on August 11th in Georgia.

The 22-year-old said: "It wasn't the result I was looking for, but this was the first week of three.

"Next week is big, but the week after (the US PGA) is the most important one. I feel if I put the work in there's no reason why I can't have another good shot at a major."

After the tournament, three-time major winner Padraig Harrington announced he had split with his long time coach Bob Torrance, according to AFP.

Torrance, who is father of ex-Ryder Cup captain Sam, has been Harrington's coach for 15 years during which the player won his three major titles but the Irishman has not won in Europe or the United States since 2008.

Torrance said: "He's like a son to me and I hope we can get back together. I wasn't really expecting this, but I know he's been unhappy. His game is in a bad shape because of his mind -- I've said that to him -- but he's determined to make changes."

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Keeper Nixon announces retirement

Nixon was on the brink of receiving his first Test cap at the age of 36 in 2007 but lost out when Matt Prior was selected

Leicestershire wicketkeeper Paul Nixon has announced he will retire after Saturday's FL t20 quarter-final against Kent at Grace Road.

The 40-year-old, who won two County Championships with the Foxes and two Twenty20 titles, made his first-class debut in 1989.

"My body knows now. I can't do it the way I want to do it anymore; the way I've always done it," he said.

"I cannot keep up to those high standards anymore."

He added: "All of my mentors said to me that you'll know when the time is right and the time has come. I've thought about it for a few months now and am at ease with it. It's time for the youngsters to have their journeys now.

"I've met some amazing people along the way and have some special memories. I've loved every ball on the pitch and every moment I've been involved in off the pitch too. It's a very special life and I've made sure that I've never taken it for granted."

PAUL NIXON FACTS

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• Signed for Leicestershire in 1988
• 12,088 runs for the county
• 19 first-class centuries
• 772 dismissals
• Played in every Foxes' T20 match since the format began

Nixon captained Leicestershire in 2007 and 2008 and helped them to County Championship titles in 1996 and 1998 before joining Kent between 2000 and 2002.

The Cumbria-born left-hander returned to the East Midlands in 2003 where he became instrumental in the club's success at the newly-formed T20 format.

He was drafted into England's one-day side in Australia in 2006-7 and held his place for the subsequent World Cup.

"I've had a very special journey over the years and I've always been thankful to Ken Higgs and Mike Turner for signing me for Leicestershire in 1988," Nixon continued.

"The Leicester public has been absolutely phenomenal towards me and I want to thank them for all of their support. I want to thank them for all of the letters they've sent and all of the good luck messages as I've walked onto the pitch."

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Hamilton fastest in Hungary practice

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton has won two races this season, in China and last weekend in Germany.

• Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time in practice ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix
• The McLaren driver was ahead of Fernando Alonso in second and Jenson Button in third
• Current championship leader Sebastian Vettel was only fifth fastest at the Hungaroring

(CNN) -- McLaren's Lewis Hamilton continued the form which brought him victory in Germany last weekend as he set the fastest time in Friday practice ahead of Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Briton's lap of one minute 21.018 seconds edged out Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, who was celebrating his 30th birthday, and his compatriot and teammate Jenson Button, with the pair second and third quickest respectively.

Championship leader and reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel was over half a second back on Hamilton's time at the Hungaroring in fifth position, behind his Red Bull colleague Mark Webber, who won the race in 2010, in fourth.

Vettel, 24, was attempting to bounce back from a disappointing fourth-place finish at the Nurburgring a week ago, the first time he had finished a grand prix outside of the top two this season.

Resurgent Hamilton triumphs in Germany

It's not like last year, it seems very tight and McLaren and Ferrari are quick
--Sebastian Vettel

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"I felt a little bit better in the car," the German, who currently has a 77-point lead at the top of the drivers' standings, told the Formula One official web site.

"But it's not like last year, it seems very tight and McLaren and Ferrari are quick. I think we need to raise our game if we want to be at the front."

Vettel was sporting a bandage on his hand during the two sessions, but he revealed it was not a serious injury.

"The bandage on my hand? It's just a little thing, but you know how it goes with us men, we like to make a big fuss!"

Two-time world champion Alonso thanked everyone for their birthday wishes, in particular F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone after the 80-year-old interrupted the Spaniard's press conference.

Latest F1 standings after the German Grand Prix

The 30-year-old also announced that he was committing his future to Italian marque Ferrari, revealing he will be with the Maranello-based team for the next five years.

"First of all thanks to everyone for their birthday wishes on my thirtieth, especially to Bernie, who came along to wish me the best along with you journalists during the press meeting!

"It's nice to celebrate here with Ferrari, a team I will definitely be with until I am at least 35."

Alonso is currently fourth in the world championship, behind 2008 title winner Hamilton in third and Australian Webber in second.

Qualifying for the 11th race of the season will be on Saturday, ahead of Sunday's grand prix.

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Australian Open - results and schedule

Venue: Bendigo Stadium, Victoria Date: 18-24 July

FINAL (best of 17 frames)

Stuart Bingham (Eng) 9-8 Mark Williams (Wal)

SEMI FINALS (best of 11 frames)

Shaun Murphy (Eng) 2-6 Stuart Bingham (Eng)

Ken Doherty (Ire) 2-6 Mark Williams (Wal)

QUARTER FINALS (best of 9 frames)

Matthew Selt (Eng) 3-5 Shaun Murphy (Eng)

Mark Allen (NI) 3-5 Stuart Bingham (Eng)

Mark Selby (Eng) 3-5 Ken Doherty (Ire)

Dominic Dale (Wal) 4-5 Mark Williams (Wal)

SECOND ROUND (best of 9 frames)

Matthew Selt (Eng) 5-1 Stephen Hendry (Sco)

Rory McLeod (Eng) 1-5 Shaun Murphy (Eng)

Marcus Campbell (Sco) 1-5 Mark Allen (NI)

Tom Ford (Eng) 0-5 Stuart Bingham (Eng)

Mark Selby (Eng) 5-3 Mark Davis (Eng)

Liang Wenbo (Chn)4-5 Ken Doherty (Ire)

Neil Robertson (Aus) 4-5 Dominic Dale (Wal)

David Gilbert (Eng) 2-5 Mark Williams (Wal)

FIRST ROUND (best of 9 frames)

John Higgins (Sco) 4-5 Matthew Selt (Eng)

Stephen Hendry (Sco) 5-3 Martin Gould (Eng)

Peter Ebdon (Eng) 3-5 Rory McLeod (Eng)

Shaun Murphy (Eng) 5-3 Andrew Higginson (Eng)

Ali Carter (Eng) 3-5 Marcus Campbell (Sco)

Mark Allen (NI) 5-3 Ryan Day (Wal)

Jamie Cope (Eng) 3-5 Tom Ford (Eng)

Ding Junhui (Chn) 2-5 Stuart Bingham (Eng)

Mark Selby (Eng) 5-3 Joe Perry (Eng)

Judd Trump (Eng) 3-5 Mark Davis (Eng)

Matthew Stevens (Wal) 4-5 Liang Wenbo (Chn)

Stephen Maguire (Sco) 2-5 Ken Doherty (Ire)

Neil Robertson (Aus) 5-2 Nigel Bond (Eng)

Dominic Dale (Wal) 5-2 Steve Mifsud (Aus)

David Gilbert (Eng) 5-1 James Mifsud (Aus)

Mark Williams (Wal) 5-2 Barry Pinches (Eng)

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Midday impresses in Nassau Stakes

• Venue: Goodwood Racecourse, Sussex
• Dates: 26-30 July
• Coverage: Selected races live on BBC Radio 5 live; TV coverage on Channel 4

Midday streaks away to win the Nassau Stakes for the third time

Midday, ridden by Tom Queally, became the first filly to win the Nassau Stakes three times after powering to victory at Goodwood.

The favourite travelled strongly throughout the 10-furlong Group One and produced a tremendous finish to lead entering the final furlong.

Snow Fairy provided the main threat to Midday, but the six-time Group One winner was too strong.

In the other feature, Chubby Chandler's Hoof It won the Steward's Cup.

But the victory for Midday caps a fruitful week at Goodwood for trainer Sir Henry Cecil, who also trains Sussex Stakes winner Frankel.

"It's been a wonderful week. All being well she'll go for the Yorkshire Oaks," said Cecil.

"She's been unlucky not to win more than six Group one races. She's a marvellous horse."

Hoof It, trained by Mick Easterby and ridden by Kieren Fallon, held off the challenge of Tax Free and Mac's Power to win in impressive style despite carrying the top weight.

Carrying a 6lb penalty following success at York a week ago, the joint-favourite was forced to concede weight to each of his rivals.

But having been covered up in the middle of the pack early, Fallon guided the winner to a convincing victory.

"He's done nothing but improve. Mick walked the course this morning and he told me to go to the far side so it made my job easier," said Fallon.

"I think he will be a Group One horse," he added.

The winner is jointly-owned by golfer Lee Westwood and his agent Chandler, who was thrilled with the victory.

"We will see what's what and we would like to have a go at all sorts of races," said a beaming Chandler.

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Bingham surges back to take title

Bingham beat Ronnie O'Sullivan in the opening round of the UK Championships in December

England's Stuart Bingham won the last four frames of the Australian Open final to snatch a dramatic 9-8 win over two-time world champion Mark Williams.

Bingham began the final session level at 4-4, but twice found himself three frames adrift at 4-7 and then 5-8.

Breaks of 70 and 76 pulled the 35-year-old from Essex back level with the match to be decided on the 17th.

Bingham finally pulled clear after a cagey exchange of safety shots to claim his first ranking event title.

His victory came after a superb start which featured a break of 139 in the opening frame en route to a 3-1 lead.

Williams responded by taking the next three with breaks of 85, 57 and 84.

Bingham edged the eighth 64-52 to pull himself back, but seemed to have run out of steam after the interval.

Williams looked to have the upper hand as he followed up a half-century break in the ninth by capitalising on a series of errors by Bingham in the 10th and building a frame-winning break of 71 in the 11th.

But Bingham clawed his way to the title with a tremendous rearguard action.

After pouncing on an error by Williams in the 12th and making the most of a fortunate snooker in the 14th, Bingham compiled a break of 70 to reduce the deficit to a single frame.

Another big break restored parity and, after a cruel deflection appeared to deprive Bingham within sight of the line, he finally sank a green to seal victory.

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