Riders Billy Lee and Robbie Colgan hit with hefty bans

Billy Lee has been hit with an eight-day ban for using his whip with excessive frequency during Space Traveller's last-gasp success in the Group 2 Clipper Logistics Boomerang Stakes at Leopardstown on Irish Champions Weekend last month.

During his referral at the headquarters of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Thursday, Lee accepted he had used his whip nine times on Space Traveller, but stressed that the first two strikes had been light.

The referrals committee found him in breach of the rules and, as it was his fifth similar offence, they imposed a suspension of eight days.

Robbie Colgan's decision to appeal against a five-day ban for his ride on Bigger And Better in the Byrne Family Handicap at Listowel last month backfired as not only did the rider lose his case, but his ban was also increased to eight days.

The stewards on the day at Listowel found Colgan in breach of Rule 212 A, failing to obtain the best possible position on Bigger And Better, who finished second to Franklyn, and initially banned him for five days.

During his appeal, Colgan pointed out that his mount was a large horse with a big stride and suited to large open tracks where his stride was effective.

He also stated he was flat out on the turn in and didn't feel that the horse had enough in him to go around the field so made the decision to challenge up the rail. He maintained that he had made all efforts to ensure the horse achieved his best possible position.

The appeals body did not agree and added an extra three days to his suspension.

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