Jockey Richard Hughes has been handed a six day ban by the Windsor stewards after being found guilty of careless riding on the Simon Callaghan-trained Saturn Girl on Monday evening.

The ban means Hughes will be out of action from July 6 to 11, missing the ride on Paco Boy should he line up in the July Cup on July 10.

Saturn Girl hung badly left in the final furlong of the 12f maiden. Hughes said after the race: "I was only doing just enough as she was winning comfortably and I had my stick in my left hand and I didn't know where the second was.

"The stewards haven't used their discretion at all in giving me six days - it is over the top and is going to cost me a lot with a Group One day."

:fff: :fff: :fff:

RICHARD HUGHES will miss the entire Newmarket July festival after his appeal against the severity of a six-day ban for careless riding at Windsor last week was only reduced by 24 hours.

The BHA disciplinary panel, following a hearing in London, decided to reduce the suspension to five days, which now covers the period July 6-10.

Hughes said: "I wasn't appealing so I could ride in a Group 1 race [the July Cup]. I did it because of the totting-up system.

"I thought the punishment on the day was harsh, and five days is much better, but four or even three would have been better."


停少左..只係停5日