Racing: Stewards turn down ban appeal by Hughes

Kieren Fallon's efforts to record yet another jockeys' title were greatly enhanced yesterday without the Irishman having to pick up a whip in anger.

Richard Hughes, who currently trails Fallon by nine winners at the head of the championship, failed in his attempt to have a five-day riding suspension overturned at the Jockey Club. Instead there was confirmation that his performance on Dune in the Melrose Rated Stakes at York's Ebor meeting constituted irresponsible riding of a minor nature.

Hughes, however, was not angry. He was too puzzled to be angry. "I can't believe it," he said. "I'm dumbfounded. They must have seen a different view to me.

"The whole country said I'd get off – everyone on Attheraces and the professional people in racing. Richard Hannon rang me up after the race and said I'd got to appeal. Jamie Spencer said I hadn't done anything wrong. They've taken my livelihood off me for something I didn't do. I'm just a bit bewildered. It's obviously not going to help me win the title. I don't mind taking a ban when I'm wrong but when I feel I'm right it's a bit hard to take."

Hughes' explanation that he did not make a manoeuvre and that the interference was largely due to other horses was not accepted and the appeal dismissed. He was banned from 2 to 6 September inclusive and lost his £400 deposit.