Swedish ban forces Ahern to miss Goodwood

EDDIE AHERN has been ruled out of the entire Glorious Goodwood meeting after he was given an additional 14-day ban for a racing incident that incurred a seven-day suspension in Sweden in May.

Ahern was partnering the Wido Neuroth-trained Sir Lando in the Group 3 Stockholm Stora Pris when hemoved across rivals in the closing stages of the race.

The manoeuvre resulted in two horses coming down and fellow jockey Frederik Johansson suffering a shoulder injury. Ahern finished second on the favourite but was subsequently handed a seven-day ban by the raceday stewards at Taby.

However, the Swedish Racing Authority appealed the verdict of the local stewards on the basis that the punishment was not sufficiently severe, considering Ahern's riding to be reckless.

This view was upheld and Ahern was handed an additional 14-day suspension, which means he will be banned from July 20 to August 2 inclusive.

Speaking on Wednesday, Ahern said: "They [Swedish Racing] felt that the penalty didn't fit the crime and there's nothing I can do, it's a shame, everyone loses out.

"It's not the same as in England, Hughesie [Richard Hughes] did a similar thing at Winsdor and got seven days. I make a similar manoeuvre and get 21 days."

Ahern, who rode Frederick Engels to success at Newmarket's July festival last week, added: "I'm sure other jockeys will see this and be nervous about going over there, I'm not going back over there to ride."

Swedish racing CEO Gunnar Werner was pleased with the verdict, saying in a statement: "We want to put a stop to that kind of careless riding, as that of Edward Ahern at the races on May 31.

"On the whole we are satisfied with the decision and hope that our action gives a crystal-clear message. I am convinced that the decision will benefit the sport."