Robert Havlin opts not to appeal against 13-day Windsor ban

Robert Havlin has chosen not to appeal against the 13-day imposed on him at Windsor on Monday for overuse of the whip on the John Gosden-trained Frontman.

Havlin decided against appealing the decision following discussions with Paul Struthers and solicitor Rory Mac Neice, meaning he will miss Ascot's valuable meeting featuring the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

The 45-year-old, who has been a key member of Gosden's team, was handed the ban by the Windsor stewards after using his whip above the permitted seven times in the race, where he was beaten by a neck into second by Rum Baba.

The ban will take place from July 15 to July 27.

Amateur rider Mikey O'Connor to appeal against two-year ban

Amateur rider Mikey O'Connor has lodged an appeal against the severity of the two-year suspension he received at a recent Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board referrals hearing.

O'Connor picked up the ban after incidents at two separate point-to-points. In the first instance at Lismore last March, the referrals panel heard he had behaved in a threatening manner towards stewarding and medical officials after questions were raised about his fitness to ride.

At Dromahane in May, O'Connor was involved in an altercation with another rider and was subsequently said to have behaved in a verbally abusive and threatening manner towards a stewards' secretary.

Owners confirm pair for HRI board

Caren Walsh and Brian Polly have been confirmed as the two candidates nominated and seconded to go forward for election to the board of Horse Racing Ireland by the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO).

Caren Walsh had been the sole nominee this year but when the nomination process was contested by a council member to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the process was stalled.

The minister has since confirmed the process of nominating candidates was suitable, however it was requested that there would be more than one candidate put forward for election.

Brian Polly has now been nominated and seconded in accordance with the agreed requirements.