UK jockey cops “ridiculous” suspension

Jockey Billy Loughnane has been suspended for three weeks after stewards ruled he acted contrary to veterinary instructions at Southwell on Thursday.

Loughnane’s mount Beelzebub was withdrawn after being assessed by the on-course veterinarian as lame following an incident where the horse was kicked at the start of the final 6f handicap.

The rider then returned the six-year-old to the mounting yard, prompting an inquiry from stewards into his actions.

After speaking with Loughnane, the BHA veterinary officer and the racecourse vet, stewards imposed a 21-day suspension for improper riding, determining that he had disregarded instructions not to ride the horse back.

Beelzebub’s trainer Dave Loughnane strongly criticised the decision to withdraw the horse, questioning the circumstances surrounding the veterinary assessment.

“I wasn’t at the races but from what I’ve been told another horse reversed into our horse. The vets trotted him up and said they weren’t happy because of the graze on his leg and withdrew him.

“But the graze they’re talking about on his leg has been on his leg since he arrived at my yard. The horse trotted up sound twice under Billy and no-one told Billy not to ride the horse back, so he cantered him home absolutely sound.

“I’ll be getting a vet out first thing tomorrow morning to do a full report on the horse because it’s absolutely mind-boggling. If that’s the way our sport is going we’re in serious trouble.

“We’re all in the sport for the same reason – we love horses and our priority is horse welfare – but there has to be a bit of common sense come into play with the BHA.

“My team at the races trotted him up in front of the owners and again back in the stable yard and the horse is 100 per cent sound. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with him.”

The suspension will run from April 9 through to April 30, sidelining Loughnane for key meetings including the Craven fixture at Newmarket and the Greenham meeting at Newbury.

Trainer Dave Loughnane indicated he intends to support the jockey in any appeal against the ruling.

“We’ll do everything in our power to assist Billy in any possible appeal because it’s ridiculous in my opinion.”

Loughnane is scheduled to return to riding on May 1, the opening day of the Guineas meeting at Newmarket.