Howard Johnson could be fighting for his training career as he answers serious charges at a British Horseracing Authority inquiry.
The County Durham handler is in London for the hearing after admitting to running a horse that had undergone a palmar neurectomy whilst under his care.
The neurectomy to the horse's left fore leg came to light following a post-mortem carried out on Striking Article after the horse was pulled up and euthanized at Musselburgh on February 7, 2010.
The procedure involves severing nervous connection to the lower leg to cause numbness. It is banned under the Rules of Racing on welfare grounds.
Striking Article underwent the procedure in April 2008 yet ran eight times afterwards. Johnson claims he was unaware of the rule that states he should not have run the horse.
Johnson has also been charged under a separate investigation in relation to the administration of laurabolin, an anabolic steroid containing nandrolone, to three other horses under his care - Whisky Mac, Mintaka Pass and Montoya's Son.
Johnson is represented by solicitor Rory Mac Niece, and the BHA by Graeme McPherson QC.
The case started on yesterday morning and it is unlikely there will be a decision released at the close of play today.
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