Kieran O'Neill suspended for 15 days after fifth breach of the whip rules

Kieran O'Neill has been suspended for 15 days with five of them deferred after a fifth breach of the whip rules in the last six months.

A BHA independent disciplinary panel heard O'Neill had used his whip ten times on Seinesational when beaten a neck by Timoshenko in the Goodwood Handicap on July 31.

The panel decided the breach warranted a two-day ban as its independent members took into account O'Neill was riding a tiring horse with a difficult head carriage, describing his whip use as "too frequent, but necessary . . . in order to keep a straight course."

O'Neill could have expected a suspension of the entry-point 21 days with the rule book quoting anywhere between 14-42 days depending on the severity of the breaches.

The panel heard his first whip ban had been on March 12 since when he has had 328 rides and had picked up three more two-day suspensions, all on winners.

The rider, who rode out his claim in two years when based with Richard Hannon in 2011-12, has resurrected his career with the backing of John Gosden.

O'Neill, who has ridden 54 winners this year after a personal best of 69 last year, is suspended from August 16-23 and August 26 and 27 with the other five days set aside unless he breaks the whip rules again before October 8.

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app