Slevin undecided about appeal over 21-day whip ban

JJ Slevin will speak with the Jockeys' Association secretary Andrew Coonan before deciding if he will appeal against the 21-day ban that he received at Punchestown on Thursday following his ride on First Lieutenant in the La Touche Cup.

The Cheltenham Festival-winning rider received the suspension for two separate infringements, namely for using a whip that was worn and insufficiently padded, and for using it with excessive force.

Evidence was heard from the Turf Club's chief veterinary officer Dr Lynn Hillyer, and Slevin's recent record, which included a three-day whip ban and an instruction to attend one day's tuition at the Racing Academy and Centre of Education (Race) in January, was taken into account by the stewards in their decision to hand out what is a stiff punishment for a whip offence. On this occasion he was directed to attend a two-day tuition at Race.

"It's unheard of for a jockey to get a ban like that," Slevin said of the sanction. "I'm not sure what to do but I have until Tuesday to appeal, so I'll speak with Andrew Coonan and we'll make a decision then."

First Lieutenant: was retired after finishing third in the La ToucheCredit: Patrick McCann

First Lieutenant, a three-time Grade 1 winner in his pomp for Mouse Morris and Gigginstown Stud, was retired immediately after finishing a gallant third in the La Touche.

The popular 12-year-old won seven times in 50 starts, though had not tasted victory since landing the Bowl at Aintree four years ago.

Barry Cash, who announced his intention to retire shortly after winning the race aboard Treo Eile, was also referred to the Turf Club for his use of the whip on the winner, having left the course before the stewards could interview him.