Pat Eddery could still take the mount on Indian Lodge in the Breeders` Cup Mile if his appeal against a four-day ban for irresponsible riding is upheld at Portman Square next week.
Eddery was found guilty of the offence at Redcar on Tuesday and his suspension covers November 4th, the date of the Breeders` Cup meeting at Churchill Downs.
Mark Perrett, husband of Indian Lodge`s trainer, Amanda, explained at Windsor yesterday Eddery would be on board the four-year-old if his suspension is overturned and that Michael Kinane would ride if it is upheld.
Perrett said: 'The owners are perfectly happy for Pat to keep the ride if he gets off and we have Mick on standby in case he doesn`t.'
Indian Lodge, winner of two Group One races in France this year, is due to fly to Kentucky on Sunday but connections are keen to ensure that going conditions on the turf track at Churchill Downs would be suitable for the colt.
Mindful that Indian Lodge`s wins in the Prix du Moulin and Prix de la Foret at Longchamp were both achieved when there was plenty of cut in the ground, Perrett added: 'We`ve been in touch with Churchill on a day-today basis and are hoping that there`s rain to justify a run. The ground at the moment is good.'
Ascot is poised to undertake a dramatic redevelopment to turn it into one of the best racecourses in the world. The course, home of the worldfamous Royal meeting, would undergo a major change which would see the straight mile course moved 80 metres infield and new grandstands built on its current location.
Subject to planning permission, work on the construction of the new course would begin in early 2002, with the building of the stands beginning after the Royal meeting in 2004.
