Richard Hughes was on the receiving end of a monster 19-day suspension from the Jockey Club this afternoon.
The rider was punished under the totting-up procedure for irresponsible riding committed on Como in the EBF Balaton Lodge Maiden Fillies` Stakes at Newmarket on October 28.
The matter was referred to the disciplinary committee because Hughes had already accrued 15 days` worth of suspension over the previous 12 months for infringements under the same rule.
After considering evidence from Hughes and viewing recordings of the race, the committee found that interference was caused by irresponsible riding in that Hughes had moved across to the centre of the course before he reached the marker poles.
Consequently, he was banned for 19 days, four of which will be deferred until May 10 next year. The suspension runs from November 11 to December 2.
They also accepted an admission that he had not ridden in a straight line from his draw, thereby breaching Instruction H17 for the fourth time in the last 12 months.
For that offence, Hughes was also fined #500.
