Seamie Heffernan's four-day ban for careless riding cut to three after appeal

Seamie Heffernan's four-day ban for careless riding at Gowran earlier this month has been reduced to a three-day suspension following an appeal on Monday morning, with the multiple Classic-winning rider satisfied with the fresh verdict and that his views were listened to.

The 48-year-old, who is one of the world's most experienced top-level riders, was outspoken in his disappointment at the original decision of the raceday stewards at the Kilkenny venue on August 12, keen for the suspension to be reduced or quashed.

Having been trapped on the rail in the closing stages aboard the Tony Martin-trained Jungle Jungle, a horse who was previously 0-15, Heffernan manoeuvred out for racing room before going on to win by half a length and was deemed to have ridden carelessly.

Speaking to the Racing Post after a lucrative 5,278-1 treble at Naas on Sunday, the leading Ballydoyle jockey said he had previously been found guilty of careless riding just twice over the past eight years.

Jungle Jungle (purple): got off the mark at the 16th attempt when ridden by Seamie Hefferan for the first time earlier this monthCredit: Patrick McCann

Heffernan accepted the decision of the IHRB appeals body on Monday and was appreciative of the backing he says he received from other industry personnel.

"It was probably my own fault that I had to appeal because I didn't explain myself properly on the day," said this year's Irish 1,000 Guineas and Irish Derby-winning rider.

"The appeal didn't take long today but I explained myself better and they explained their side. They came to the conclusion to drop a day [of the original suspension] and I'm happy."

He added: "I spoke what I felt and what I believed. Things are changing and papers are writing articles that people are reading and maybe it's making sense, but this is the way it's going.

"I'm happy I was listened to and happy it was reduced. It means a lot to me.

Seamie Heffernan: 'I spoke what I felt and what I believed'Credit: Patrick McCann

"There are plenty of people who have spent a long time in the game who gave me support and confidence to go ahead and appeal to explain myself. It came from a lot of people who I took as being correct."

The three-day suspension kicks in promptly for Heffernan, who will miss this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, including a trio of Group 3s and the Paddy Power Irish Cambridgeshire at the Curragh on the final date.

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