Buick to appeal against 'harsh' riding ban that rules him out of Derby

William Buick has decided to challenge the "harsh" five-day ban due to cost him involvement in both days of the Investec Derby meeting.

The Professional Jockeys Association tweeted on Sunday that it would lodge an appeal with the BHA on Monday on behalf of the Godolphin jockey.

The PJA said Buick was likely to challenge both "finding and penalty", although this was still to be confirmed, of a suspension that rules him out of the Derby, Investec Oaks and Investec Coronation Cup.

Buick said: "I spoke to Paul Struthers from the PJA and I thought it was a case we could appeal against. In my opinion it's a harsh ban and I do think we have a case.

"Epsom is a very big weekend and it comes round only once a year, but we're appealing because we think it's worthy of an appeal to the panel in London."

Buick was found guilty of careless riding at York on Friday after steering the Charlie Appleby-trained Alqamar to victory in the last race.

Alqamar won by five lengths but in drifting across to the stands' rail two furlongs out he caused interference to Brimham Rocks, who in turn hampered Taxmeifyoucan.

The stewards ruled Buick had been slow to correct his mount and that Taxmeifyoucan was the victim of considerable interference as a result. The ban covers June 2, 3, and 5-7.

Jockeys have the scope to move any days that correspond with Group 1 contests for bans of four days or less, but not for longer suspensions.

Buick will have to be at least partially successful in his appeal to be free to ride at Epsom.

On Saturday Buick underlined his importance to Godolphin when riding Ribchester to victory in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes and took one of the other features races on Hawkbill for the same owner.

Buick would be expected to ride Jack Hobbs if he takes his chance in the Coronation Cup, while Godolphin have several in the mix for the Epsom Classics.

Buick said: "The picture looks very open. Godolphin have a number of horses in the Derby but as to what my ride might be I don't know. And I wouldn't have a clear picture in the Oaks.

"I'm not really sure whether Jack Hobbs will go to Epsom or wait for Royal Ascot, but he's a very classy horse and if he was to run he's a horse you'd want to be on."