Conditional jockey Tom Buckley banned for 12 days for taking wrong course

Conditional jockey Tom Buckley has been banned for 12 days after taking the wrong course on the Nigel Hawke-trained Sindabella in the concluding 2m4½f handicap hurdle at Leicester on Wednesday.

Buckley, a 3lb claimer based with Paul Nicholls, was riding the 13-2 chance and was two lengths ahead of the field turning into the home straight.

However, the pair appeared to run the wrong side of a rail that splits the direction of the hurdles and chase course, taking the chase track instead.

Following an inquiry into the incident, Buckley told the stewards that he had his head down and ended up on the wrong side of the railing, before pulling his mount up once he had realised what had happened.

Buckley was subsequently suspended for 12 days by the stewards, with the ban running from January 11-22.

How the incident unfolded

Sindabella and Tom Buckley (right) lead the field in Leicester's final race on WednesdayCredit: Racing TV

The pair, sent off at odds of 13-2, hold a healthy advantage as they begin turning for homeCredit: Racing TV

Tom Buckley kicks clear on Sindabella and takes his mount left on to the chase courseCredit: Racing TV

Jockey Tom Buckley realises his error and pulls up Sindabella in the final race at LeicesterCredit: Racing TV

The BHA's stewards report said: "An enquiry was held to consider the reason Sindabella, ridden by Tom Buckley, had appeared to take the incorrect course when turning into the home straight on the final circuit.

"The rider was interviewed and shown recordings of the incident. Buckley explained that he had his head down and as a result ended up riding the wrong side of the marker and the rail, where upon he pulled Sindabella up.

"Having heard his evidence, Buckley was suspended for 12 days for taking the wrong course."

Buckley has ridden 11 winners this season so far, with six of them coming for Hawke from 59 rides for the Devon-based trainer.

The jockey has already served a 14-day ban this season for failing to make an effort to obtain the best possible placing on the Hawke-trained Watchoutitscookie in a 2m1f novice hurdle at Newton Abbot on September 26.

The in-running comment

Sindabella

Soon prominent, hit 2nd, led 4th, not fluent 7th, soon pushed along, 2 lengths ahead when took wrong route home turn (jockey said he rode the wrong side of the marker and rail due to him having his head down)

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