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'I'm a little shocked' - 11-day whip ban for William Buick after 66-1 Ascot win

William Buick: is tied with Oisin Murphy at the top of the champion jockeys' title standings
William Buick: is tied with Oisin Murphy at the top of the champion jockeys' title standingsCredit: Francois Nel (Getty Images)

A hard-fought success on Reshoun in Tuesday's Ascot Stakes (5.00) came at a cost for William Buick, who was given an 11-day suspension and a fine of £1,150 for his use of the whip.

A notice posted on the BHA's stewarding page on Tuesday night said he had used it "above the permitted level and down the shoulder in the forehand from approaching the final two furlongs".


Watch a replay of Reshoun winning the Ascot Stakes on Tuesday


Sent off at 66-1, Reshoun was to the fore from an early stage in the marathon handicap, scrapping his way to the lead inside the final furlong and then having to withstand a strong late challenge from the fancied M C Muldoon. The winning margin was just a short head.

"I thought the horse ran a blinder," said the winning trainer, Ian Williams. When told of the stewards' decision, he added: "I'm very disappointed to hear William's received a ban of that length. There was certainly nothing that struck me as I watched the race to make me think that was coming. I'm a little shocked."

Reshoun (far side) fends off the challenge of M C Muldoon in the Ascot Stakes on Tuesday
Reshoun (far side) fends off the challenge of M C Muldoon in the Ascot Stakes on TuesdayCredit: Mark Cranham

An 11-day ban will be a significant obstacle to Buick as he continues to chase a first champion jockeys' title. He and Oisin Murphy are tied at the top of the table with 37 winners each after both rode winners on the opening day of Royal Ascot. Murphy was favourite to retain his title at 5-4 last night, while Buick's odds ranged between 11-8 and 7-4.

No more official information was available as to how the stewards reached the figure of 11 days as a suitable penalty. The number of days need not relate directly to the number of times the whip has been used but is instead a global penalty reflecting the stewards' view of the gravity of the offence.

The fine of £1,150 is automatically generated once the suspension has been determined and is also related to the value of the race.


Read more from day one of Royal Ascot 2021:

'Exactly what I was expecting' – Bolger delight as Poetic Flare runs riot

Expert jury: Palace Pier v Poetic Flare: which camp are you in for the Sussex Stakes?

Palace Pier is one of the best horses in the world says Frankie Dettori

Late plunge pays off as Cieren Fallon and Oxted lower colours of Battaash


Check out the Racing Post Royal Ascot microsite for the latest tips and odds for the royal meeting. The best Royal Ascot betting advice and exclusive free betting offers all in one place.


Chris CookRacing Writer of the Year

Published on 15 June 2021inNews

Last updated 20:02, 15 June 2021

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