IT was crunch time today for a jittery horse in his battle to overcome his nerves and beat a life ban from the race track.

Owner Harry Barlow was so confident that the Swan at Whalley would pass the stalls test that he was betting £500 on the outcome.

The horse, named after Mr Barlow's Whalley pub, galloped into trouble when he refused to enter the stalls on his last three outings.

The Jockey Club granted the horse a reprieve from an automatic life ban on condition that he passed the stalls test at Newmarket today.

Mr Barlow said: "He has to go into the stalls twice without any problems. If he passes the test he will be racing at Epsom on Derby Day on June 7. All the pub regulars are keeping their fingers crossed."

The four-year-old colt has been receiving expert coaxing from Royal horse psychologist Richard Maxwell in preparation for his return to the track.

"Richard has said he is an ideal candidate. I am so confident that I have put a £500 even money bet on him doing it," added Mr Barlow.

The Jockey Club gave the horse a second chance after hearing he had raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Pub regulars also signed a petition, pleading with club officials to think twice before imposing a ban.

The horse is owned by Mr Barlow, but a syndicate of regulars at the pub owns three other horses, Pride of Whalley, Ribble Princess and Ribble Assembly.

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