Tom Messenger ban reduced on appeal
Friday 3 April 2020 13:22, UK
Tom Messenger has had a 10-day ban imposed by the Worcester stewards reduced to eight on appeal to the disciplinary panel of the British Horseracing Authority.
Messenger was penalised for his ride on the Chris Bealby-trained Crosslanes, who finished eighth of 13 runners and was beaten 36 lengths in a two-mile maiden hurdle on July 6.
The Worcester stewards deemed him guilty of failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures to obtain the best possible placing.
However, the panel accepted and understood, in part, Messenger's explanation for his actions.
The jockey's suspension was cut by two days and will now run from July 23 to July 31. His deposit was returned.
In another hearing, Kieren Fox was hit with a 23-day suspension, seven of which were deferred for six weeks until September 23, following his latest whip offence.
Fox was found to have used his whip above the permitted level on Mullionheir when fourth in the Betfred Mobile Stakes at Newmarket on July 10.
The matter was referred to the BHA as it was Fox's fifth offence of misuse of the whip, warranting a suspension of between two to six days, in six months.
Fox will be sidelined from July 28 to August 12.
