Rachael Blackmore has been slapped with a five day ban after a controversial ride last week which saw her accused of mistaking the winning post a circuit too early.
The incident occurred during the 3m handicap hurdle at Kilbeggan earlier this month.
During the race, Blackmore , who was riding Lady Rita at 10/1, powered into a sizeable lead with the winning post in sight.
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As she crossed the line, Blackmore pulled up as she crossed the line in front of the stands even though there was another lap of racing to go.
Blackmore eventually carried on for the rest of the race and finished in fourth place, some 21 lengths behind the victor Desert Heather.
Blackmore told a stewards inquiry that she was trying to ensure there was a strong gallop when she went to the front with a circuit to go but found the horse became “lairy” so she eased back.
The stewards were “not entirely convinced” with the explanation but were not certain her ride had prevented her failing to obtain the best possible placing and took no action.
But a separate investigation by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board has found that she had made a misjudgement.
The Board’s hearing, to which Blackmore gave evidence, concluded she had been in breach of the rule which states, “Any rider who fails to obtain their best possible placing as a result of negligent misjudgement (including a misjudgement of the winning post or the number of circuits, easing their mount without good reason or stopping riding) shall be guilty of an offence under this sub-rule."
Blackmore became the first female jockey to ride the winner of the Grand National on Minella Times in 2021, a year in which she was also crowned BBC World Sports Personality of the Year.
Her Cheltenham Festival accomplishments include a 2022 triumph in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on A Plus Tard and four victories on Honeysuckle, two in the Champion Hurdle.
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