Billy Loughnane has withdrawn his appeal against a suspension after the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) reduced the penalty from 21 to 14 days. The jockey, who was the winningmost rider in Britain last year with a 21st-century record of 223 wins, was originally banned following an incident at Southwell on 26 March.
The ban stemmed from the ride on Beelzebub, trained by David Loughnane (no relation), in the concluding 6f handicap. The horse was withdrawn by the course vet after being kicked behind the stalls, but Loughnane rode it back contrary to veterinary instructions. He was subsequently found guilty of improper riding under Rule (J)20.
After Loughnane announced an appeal, the BHA reviewed further evidence, including statements from those present at the start. The authority established that Loughnane had not heard the vet's instruction not to ride the horse back. The BHA stated: 'It has been established that an instruction given by the Veterinary Surgeon at the start was not heard by Mr Loughnane.'
Despite this, the BHA confirmed Loughnane still breached the rule, as he should not have ridden the horse after its withdrawal. The reduced 14-day suspension has been accepted, negating the need for an appeal hearing. The ban will see Loughnane miss key early-season fixtures.
