A FORMER Newcastle United striker who turned to training racehorses after his career ended has been banned from the sport for three years.

Ex-Magpies star Mick Quinn has been banned by the Jockey Club until 2004 after an inquiry into allegations that he neglected his horses.

The investigation by the disciplinary committee ruled that his licence to train should be withdrawn from July 6 and he should not reapply for it before January 1, 2004.

The inquiry was held after complaints to the RSPCA over the condition of three horses left out at grass near Quinn's stable at Wantage, Oxfordshire.

He was charged with a breach of Rule 51 in that the overall condition of Winsome George, Arab Gold and Zola fell below that expected of a licensed trainer, indicative of a lack of care and skill on Quinn's part towards both the owners and the horses in his charge.

The former St James's Park hero, who scored 71 goals for the black and whites in his 132 appearances between 1989 and 1992, moved into horse racing after retiring from football.

He joined fellow former footballer Mick Channon at his training complex in Hampshire as an assistant trainer in July 1996, having his first runner at Southwell 18 months later.

The Jockey Club committee considered evidence which included a statement from Quinn, Dr Peter Webbon, the Jockey Club chief veterinary adviser, Mick O'Gorman, a veterinary surgeon, Jane Murfett, a member of the public and Joe Darby, a stable employee.

They accepted Quinn's admission that he was in breach of the rule and withdrew his licence.

Jockey Club spokesman John Maxse said: ''The committee were of the view that the serious nature of the case merited this punishment.

''They were concerned that a person who is licensed to train and look after horses could allow their condition to deteriorate to such a degree."

Quinn declined to comment after yesterday's hearing, referring questions to his representative at the National Trainers' Federation.

He has seven days in which to launch an appeal against the decision