Karl Burke’s champing at the bit as he nears return from ban

Karl Burke is counting the days until his return but admits he has no idea how a year's ban from training will affect his career.

The Middleham trainer was warned off by the British Horseracing Authority for a year last summer after admitting passing information for reward.

Burke said: "My ban is due to end on 27 July and we are in the process of applying for a training licence. It is in the hands of the solicitors. I'm sure the BHA will let me know in due course."

His father-in-law, Alan Jarvis, initially took over the reins at Spigot Lodge, where Burke had a string of around 90 horses, including Group One Prix Jean Prat winner Lord Shanakill.

Jarvis's caretaker role finished when the Flat turf season ended and he returned to his Twyford base in Buckinghamshire.

Burke spent the spring completing a charity bike ride that took him to every British racecourse and he raised close to £10,000 despite being prevented from entering any of the 60 tracks.