Racing: Irish jockey Jamie Spencer has failed in his appeal against a two-day ban incurred at Ascot last Saturday - a result that could prevent him from riding in the Epsom Derby.
The former champion jockey was found guilty of not riding out for sixth place aboard High Heel Sneakers last weekend and will consequently be out of action on May 23rd and 24th.
Having heard evidence from Spencer and viewed video recordings of the race, the Horseracing Regulatory Authority's disciplinary panel upheld the decision of the racecourse stewards.
After his Ascot ban, Spencer picked up a 10-day suspension at Longchamp the following day for careless riding aboard fourth-placed Excellent Art in the French 2000 Guineas.
That ban was due to run from May 22nd-31st inclusive and the HRA informed the French authorities that the two suspensions coincided.
As such, new dates are set to be put forward for the 10-day ban should Spencer's appeal to France Galop fail.
While the French authorities have yet to provide the details, it is thought Spencer's second suspension would begin the day after his Ascot ban ends and run until June 4th, ruling him out of both the Oaks and the Derby.