Billy Loughnane, a prominent jockey, has received a three-week suspension after stewards questioned his actions during a race at Southwell. The incident occurred on Thursday when Loughnane’s horse, Beelzebub, was deemed unfit to race due to an injury. Following a kick at the start of the 6f handicap, a veterinary officer determined that the horse was lame and withdrew it from the race.
Details of the Suspension
Stewards conducted an inquiry into Loughnane’s conduct after he rode Beelzebub back to the starting point. They found him guilty of improper riding for disobeying veterinary instructions. As a result, he faces a suspension from April 9 to April 30.
Trainer’s Reaction
Dave Loughnane, the trainer of Beelzebub, expressed confusion over the decision to withdraw the horse. He stated that another horse had backed into Beelzebub and that the injuries in question had been present since the horse’s arrival at the yard. He noted:
- Beelzebub had trotted sound under Loughnane’s guidance.
- No explicit instructions were given to prevent Loughnane from riding the horse back.
- A full veterinary report is planned to clarify the horse’s condition.
“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the horse,” Loughnane emphasized, criticizing the decision as “mind-boggling.” He also expressed concern for the direction of the sport, suggesting that common sense should prevail in similar situations.
Upcoming Implications
Loughnane’s suspension means he will miss key racing events, including the three-day Craven fixture at Newmarket and the two-day Greenham meeting at Newbury. He is expected to return to competitive riding on May 1, coinciding with the Guineas meeting at Newmarket.
In light of the situation, the trainer is committed to supporting Loughnane if he opts to appeal the suspension. “It’s ridiculous in my opinion,” he added, emphasizing the importance of fair practices within the sport.
