Racing: Culloty risks longer ban to ride Mate at Kempton

Jim Culloty and Andrew Thornton, two of the 10 jump jockeys that will be out of action over the busy Christmas period because of suspension or injury, have done their bit to ease the jockey shortage by appealing against bans. In the case of Culloty this is a risky business as he is just as likely to have his three-day ban extended as to have it quashed. The lure, though, is great, the chance to ride Best Mate, favourite for the King George VI Chase.

"That's obviously a gamble I've got to take in view of Boxing Day," Culloty said, mindful of the fact that he missed last year's King George ride on Best Mate, the top chaser in Britain, through a broken arm.

Culloty's offence, perpetrated at Doncaster on Friday, was a failure to ride out for third place in a bumper. His mount, Beechwood, was beaten a short-head for third place. However, it later transpired that the local stewards had interpreted the punishment guidelines incorrectly and that Culloty should have received a seven- day suspension.

Thornton probably stands a better chance of winning his appeal against a 10-day ban imposed by the Cheltenham stewards on Friday for taking the wrong course on the cross-country track that winds its way across the infield of Prestbury Park. Thornton, Warren Marston and Jason Maguire, who were found guilty of the same offence, at least have the understanding of the Jockey Club's director of regulations, Malcolm Wallace, who has said: "I do have considerable sympathy for them, as there is so much to think about in a race – the easier we can make it for them the better as there's no point jockeys getting suspended unnecessarily."

Riding Lucky Clover, Thornton made most of the running, but after the 19th fence, a double bank and hedge, his mount jumped out to the right and veered between the bushes marking out the course. He rejoined the contest and soon regained the lead but finally faded into fifth behind The Quads.

"I've just got to give it my best shot," Thornton said yesterday. "I hope something will come out of it." The well-respected jockey, who had never ridden over the cross-country circuit before and so walked the course beforehand, has taken advice from a solicitor who has defended many riders, Andrew Chalk.

"He thinks we have a very good case," Thornton said. "I've had lots of support from people saying that we've been harshly treated and that we've got to appeal. This course is different to anything else we encounter. It becomes very confusing at that speed. There's nothing written down saying that the bushes are permanent markers. I found my way back on the course and haven't lost too much ground – about 10 lengths."

The cases of Culloty and Thornton are likely to be heard before the end of the week but the Jockey Club will not have to busy themselves with another hearing as Jonjo O'Neill has decided not to appeal against fines he received for the running and riding of Gala Performance and Madalyar on Saturday.

The trainer was hit with a fine of £3,400 – the biggest meted out by racecourse stewards – over the running of the 3-1 shot Madalyar. The market leader, ridden by Ron Flavin, ran on to finish fifth, beaten 15 lengths, after being held up. The performance caused some racegoers to react angrily, knocking at the stewards' room door to complain. Flavin was banned for 21 days and Madalyar suspended from running for 40 days.

O'Neill was fined £800 and Liam Cooper was banned for five days over the running and riding of Gala Performance, who was banned for 30 days. The stewards decided that he had been tenderly ridden throughout.