Hughes fails to get India ban overturned - By Jon Lee I Racing post
Posted on - 29 Mar 2012
Hughes fails to get India ban overturned
By Jon Lee
www.racingpost.com
RICHARD HUGHES will miss the first full month of the Flat Turf season after he failed in his attempt to convince the BHA not to recognise a 50day riding ban he had incurred in India.
The leading jockey's chances of capturing a first Flat jockeys' championship have been dealt an early blow as he cannot ride until May 1 after the disciplinary panel decided he will have to serve the suspension imposed for failing to ride to instructions at a race meeting in Mumbai even though the offence does not exist in Britain.
It means Richard Hannon's stable jockey will miss the early season trials for the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas but will be back in time for the Classics meetings themselves at Newmarket, where he could partner leading hope Harbour Watch.
After learning of the decision, Hughes tweeted: "Very disappointed".
The disciplinary panel's reasons for their decision to uphold the decision have yet to be published but the BHA tweeted: "The BHA is one of about 50 authorities who are signatories to the International Racing Agreement.
"As such the BHA is committed to reciprocating penalties imposed on licensees by recognised racing authorities, providing always that the disciplinary process is procedurally fair."
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