Buick hearing: money well spent but system favours elite jockeys

William Buick got what he wanted in London on Friday, a satisfactory outcome to an unsatisfactory punishment.

The Godolphin jockey lost his appeal against a guilty verdict for careless riding but succeeded in having the penalty for the offence reduced from five to four days, which was surely his primary goal.

It all hinged on whether he caused interference through failing to take corrective action (recommended penalty 2-4 days) or had allowed it to happen (5-14 days).