One of Ireland’s leading amateur jockeys is clear to ride his big race mount at the Cheltenham Festival, despite being banned for 21 days.
James Hannon was suspended by Ireland’s referrals committee after camera footage picked up a physical altercation between him and another rider, at the end of a point-to-point last month.
The penalty starts on March 11 but he will be able to take the mount on leading National Hunt Chase challenger Churchstonewarrior on March 14, the first day of the Festival, because the sentence only covers days when there are point-to-point fixtures.
Hannon, who has ridden 135 point-to-point winners, was referred to the disciplinary panel after a race at Kildorrery in which his mount Dontrushslowtouch was beaten by Dromleigh, ridden by Mikey O’Connor.
Hannon told the hearing that he became angry because O’Connor’s mount had crossed him approaching the last fence almost causing the horse to fall, after which his emotions took over
“Mr Hannon accepted that he exchanged words with Mr O’Connor and grabbed his shoulder to reiterate that he had almost caused his mount to fall.” the committee’s report said. “Mr Hannon described the incident as regrettable.”
O’Connor said he was surprised by Hannon’s actions as they were both senior riders and were good friends for many years. He was unsure why Hannon was so upset as he felt he had jumped the last fence two to three lengths ahead of Hannon’s horse.
Hannon was found guilty of acting in a manner prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct or good reputation of horseracing and handed a suspension that will rule him out of all point-to-point meetings up to May 14.
