Sara Bradstock threatened legal action after Coneygree, trained by her husband Mark, was withdrawn on veterinary advice at the start at Plumpton yesterday.

The Bradstocks, who are based at Letcombe Bassett, near Wantage, insisted the seven-year-old was in prime condition for his comeback after 660 days off.

But the vet at the start ruled that the seven-year-old showed signs of lameness.

Bradstock’s wife, Sara, said: “We would not bring anything to the races that wasn’t 100 per cent.

“It’s a big thing for us getting this horse back to the races – it’s the horse that can make us and can keep us afloat.”

She added that she would sue those responsible.

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