Rider banned and winner demoted for 'apparent attempt' to push away jockey - connections tight-lipped on prospect of an appeal

Callum Shepherd and the connections of Captain Brett face an interesting decision as they mull whether to appeal the horse's demotion at Bath on Wednesday and an extremely unusual improper-riding ban.  

Stewards deemed that interference cost Iwantmytimewithyou and Hector Crouch more than the head margin of defeat, but went further in giving Shepherd a five-day suspension, ruling that he had "extended his right arm making contact with Crouch in an apparent attempt to push him away."

Neither Shepherd nor Crouch wished to comment when contacted by the Racing Post, while Captain Brett's trainer David Simcock is also keeping his counsel while weighing up how to proceed.

How the finish unfolded

Captain Brett (right) heads to the far rail in the home straight as a ding-dong battle with Iwantmytimewithyou (centre) commencesCredit: Sky Sports Racing

Both runners are upsides as the two riders get into the drive positionCredit: Sky Sports Racing

There is little between Captain Brett (far) and Iwantmytimewithyou inside the final furlongCredit: Sky Sports Racing

Stewards deemed Callum Shepherd, rider of Captain Brett (far), to have attempted to push away Hector Crouch aboard the favouriteCredit: Sky Sports Racing

Captain Brett prevails by a head at the winning line but the result was reversed after a stewards' inquiryCredit: Sky Sports Racing

The interference occurred towards the end of a 1m6f handicap, with Shepherd going for a run up the inside of the four-runner field two-and a half furlongs from home where the cutaway rail opens up. 

While there was plenty of room for him to challenge on the inner of the weakening Cherry Cola, the stewards took the view that Captain Brett shifting away from the rail and out to his right was the cause of a bump to Iwantmytimewithyou. 

The replay shows Shepherd carrying his whip in his right hand and, having briefly put it down entering the final furlong, using one more strike before again putting both hands back on the reins. 

It is at that point, inside the final half furlong, that he is seen to take his right hand back off the rein in a motion the stewards deemed was an attempt to push Crouch away.

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