Billy Loughnane has been banned for three weeks after an incident at Southwell on Thursday. Stewards ruled that he acted against the instructions of the vet.
Details of the Incident
The ban follows the withdrawal of his mount, Beelzebub, by the vet. The horse was deemed lame after being kicked at the start of the concluding 6f handicap.
Loughnane rode the six-year-old back from the start, prompting a stewards’ inquiry. After interviewing the rider, the BHA veterinary officer, and the racecourse vet, the stewards suspended Loughnane for 21 days for improper riding. They deemed he acted against the vet’s instructions by riding his mount back.
Trainer’s Reaction
Beelzebub’s trainer, Dave Loughnane, described the decision to withdraw the horse as “absolutely mind-boggling”. He stated that the graze on the horse’s leg had been there since he arrived at the yard.
Dave Loughnane said 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.
The trainer said he’ll be getting a vet out to do a full report on the horse because it’s absolutely mind-boggling. He added, if that’s the way our sport is going we’re in serious trouble.
According to Dave Loughnane, his team trotted the horse up in front of the owners and again back in the stable yard and the horse is 100 per cent sound. He claims there’s absolutely nothing wrong with him.
Loughnane’s Suspension and Return
- Loughnane’s suspension runs from April 9 to April 30.
- He will miss the three-day Craven fixture at Newmarket.
- He will miss Newbury’s two-day Greenham meeting.
Dave Loughnane added: “We’ll do everything in our power to assist Billy in any possible appeal because it’s ridiculous in my opinion.”
The rider is scheduled to return on the first day of the Guineas meeting at Newmarket on May 1.