Derek Fox free to ride National favourite Corach Rambler after decision on potential whip ban delayed
Derek Fox will be free to partner Corach Rambler when he bids for back-to-back wins in next month's Randox Grand National, but still faces a potential whip ban for his ride aboard Clovis Boy on Tuesday.
There was speculation the two-time National winner could be unable to ride at Aintree after appearing to use his whip eight times, once above the permitted level, when scoring at Newcastle this week.
His ride on Clovis Boy in the Class 5 novice handicap hurdle was on Thursday considered by the Whip Review Committee (WRC), which has since written to Fox to ask further questions and seek his observations.
If the committee determines there is a potential additional breach to which a jockey has not had the chance to respond on raceday, they have the opportunity to submit a written response within 48 hours.
"The WRC today considered a ride by Mr Fox at Newcastle on Tuesday," a BHA spokesman said. "Upon reviewing the ride, the WRC had further questions for Mr Fox and have written to him today to seek his observations, as is outlined in the protocols and procedures around WRC meetings.
"As a result, Mr Fox’s case will be considered by the WRC on Tuesday. Any potential penalty arising from this ride, therefore, will not come into effect until April 16."
Fox, who first landed the Grand National with One For Arthur in 2017, will attempt to win the race for the third time on April 13 aboard the favourite Corach Rambler. The jockey has partnered the ten-year-old in all 16 of his races, including when finishing third in this month's Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Read these next:
Ryan Mania cleared to ride at Aintree after two-week whip ban is halved following appeal
The Front Runner is our unmissable email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, the reigning Racing Writer of the Year, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday. Not a Members' Club Ultimate subscriber? Click here to join today and also receive our Ultimate Daily emails plus our full range of fantastic website and newspaper content.
Published on 28 March 2024inBritain
Last updated 19:23, 28 March 2024
- Outsider Lunar Eclipse could yet be a Qipco 1,000 Guineas player if the heavens open
- Overnight rain expected to ease going before jumps finale at Sandown
- How Harry Cobden turned around a 47-winner deficit on Sean Bowen to seal a first jump jockeys' championship
- Willie Mullins poised to match the peerless Vincent O'Brien by lifting British title
- A rollercoaster jumps trainers' championship - with a big spring key to Willie Mullins' likely success
- Outsider Lunar Eclipse could yet be a Qipco 1,000 Guineas player if the heavens open
- Overnight rain expected to ease going before jumps finale at Sandown
- How Harry Cobden turned around a 47-winner deficit on Sean Bowen to seal a first jump jockeys' championship
- Willie Mullins poised to match the peerless Vincent O'Brien by lifting British title
- A rollercoaster jumps trainers' championship - with a big spring key to Willie Mullins' likely success