English trainer David Bridgwater appears set to face action from the British Horseracing Authority over comments attributed to him in the wake of a 21-day ban for young rider Jake Launchbury.

Launchbury, 16, was suspended after nearly taking the wrong course on the Bridgwater-trained Bally Sands at the final fence in a race he looked set to win.

Realising his error, he corrected his path just in time.

Bridgwater was unhappy at the length of the ban for Launchbury and was quoted by the Guardian as referring to the stewards' room as having "the same idiots there that were there when I was riding 20 years ago", adding "I think they must still have been p****d from lunch."

BHA media spokesman Robin Mounsey said the comments were unacceptable and authorities would take appropriate action.

Bridgwater said his concern was for the young rider.

"They can rap me on the knuckles and I'll apologise if they want, but my only concern is that Jake is a 16-year-old boy, and as an amateur he might not now ride again for three months," he said.