Owners and trainers protesting over prize- money reductions introduced this week, yesterday chose a £3,400 added novices' hurdle at Sedgefield to mark the start of their boycott. However, two Middleham trainers, George Moore and John Weymes, have each left in a runner in this afternoon's race, which undermines the stand being made by the National Trainers' Federation and the Racehorse Owners' Association. Suspicions arose when 49 entries were received for the LJJ Contractors Novices' Hurdle which, significantly, included a strong representation from the south for this early stage of the season. Charlie Mann had four entries while other trainers represented included Paul Nicholls, Nicky Henderson, Philip Hobbs, Venetia Williams, Nigel Twiston-Davies, Jonjo O'Neill, Paul Webber and Noel Chance. Whether this was the right day or place for the organisers to demonstrate their anger at prize-money cuts for the rest of the year is questionable. Their protest will be denied maximum publicity as Sedgefield is not covered by attheraces and only betting shop punters can see the action. Moore's horse was one of 15 that was going to be declared and then withdrawn, but the organisers, headed by Charlie Mann, changed their minds yesterday morning and decided that no horse should be left in. But it was too late by the time Moore was contacted. When it became apparent that only Moore's charge Prize Ring remained at the overnight declaration stage, the race was re-opened and Weymes decided to reinstate Crosby Donjohn. "I was on the gallops when the phone call came to home and my wife Carol explained that she would first have to talk to me and the owner," explained Moore, who intimated that the owner wants the horse to run. Whether both horses go to post remains to be seen. Prize Ring is rated superior on the Flat and makes his debut for Moore after being bought for 14,000 guineas out of Lynda Ramsden's stable following a win in a Newcastle seller. He was fitted with cheekpieces for the first time that day and broke his duck at his 19th attempt. Obviously, Moore thinks he will make a hurdler and he won't find an easier introduction for the four-year-old, even though his opponent has previous hurdling experience. | 
