Robert Havlin decides not to appeal against 21-day ban after eyecatching second

Jockey Robert Havlin will not appeal against a 21-day ban handed to him by Lingfield stewards on Wednesday for failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures to obtain the best possible placing.

Havlin, 47, rode 16-1 shot Stowell to a fast-finishing second in the 1m4f novice stakes behind odds-on stablemate Polling Day, with the ride attracting attention for the rider's hands-and-heels approach.

A tweet from the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) on Friday morning said: "We can confirm that having reviewed the race and taken advice, Rab Havlin has decided not to appeal the decision of the Lingfield stewards."

Havlin was interviewed by the raceday stewards, as was a representative for trainers John and Thady Gosden, who stated he was "happy" with the ride and that it "accorded with the instructions given".

Members can watch the Lingfield race here

In their judgement, the stewards said: "Havlin was suspended for failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure Stowell obtained his best possible placing, in that after getting a clear run in the straight, the colt had not been asked for a sufficient effort.

"Taking into account how well Stowell ran on up the straight despite being tenderly ridden, and the diminishing distance that the colt was beaten, Havlin was suspended for 21 days."

Robert Havlin: will miss a major part of the early season, with his ban covering the dates May 5-8 and 10-26Credit: Getty Images

Analysing the contest for Sky Sports Racing, presenter Jason Weaver said: "Just looking at the jockey's body language, there wasn't much urgency there, was there? Stowell, the absolute eyecatcher there."

Havlin, who plays a key role at the Gosden stable, will miss a major part of the early season, with his ban covering the dates May 5-8 and 10-26.

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