Richard Hughes expressed relief after the one-month riding ban he received in India on New Year’s Day was revoked and replaced by a fine.
Richard Hannon’s stable jockey was adjudged to have elbowed a rival after suffering interference when riding Star Trainer in a seven-furlong (1400m) contest in Mumbai.
Although the rider claimed he was merely defending himself, Star Trainer was disqualified from second place and Hughes banned for a month, which was due to commence on January 22.
But the decision has now been reversed and he will instead be fined 100,000 rupee, which equates to STG1,283 ($A1,920).
“I’m relieved and it’s a big weight off my mind,” Hughes said.
“It means I can ride in the Oaks this weekend and the Derby in a couple of weeks’ time, which is the main reason I came out to India in the first place.”
PA AAP TURF
