Cauthen Draws British Fine for Late Pullout From Race

American jockey Steve Cauthen was fined $1,800 today by the Jockey Club, the governing body of British horse racing, for pulling out of a race at the last minute in May.

Cauthen refused to ride Pip Payne-trained colt Nicholas Payne at Leicester after he had weighed out. He was substituted by Richard Fox, who placed eighth in the race.

Cauthen said after the hearing that he disagreed with the Jockey Club’s decision and would do the same again.

“I didn’t think it was fair of the trainer to book me for that particular horse. There is no doubt he was a difficult ride--everybody backed me,” the former champion said.

Cauthen can appeal the decision. The last time he appeared before the Jockey Club was in 1983, when he appealed unsuccessfully against an eight-day suspension for careless riding.