Pat Eddery was handed a four-day suspension at Yarmouth yesterday to virtually give Kevin Darley the jockeys' championship. Eddery had effectively conceded defeat in the race for the title, but any faint hopes of overhauling Darley were snuffed out despite cutting the gap to 16 with a 26 1/2 to 1 double on In The Arena (9 to 1) and Sir Francis (7 to 4).

But it was his manoeuvre on Sir Francis in the Mautby Conditions Stakes that caused the wrath of the stewards.

Eddery, intent on tacking over to the favourite stands sides as demanded by Sir Francis's trainer Jeremy Noseda, caused interference soon after the start with Tereed Elhawa, who was to finish fourth.

The stewards ruled Eddery guilty of irresponsible riding and sidelined him from October 26th to 28th inclusive and October 30th.

The incident aside, the 11-times champion was untroubled on Sir Francis who made all against the fence to beat Trillie by four lengths.

Eddery had scored in identical fashion on In The Arena to initiate his double in the first division of the Ranworth Maiden Stakes for trainer Barry Hills.

Bruce Raymond, representing the three-year-old's owner Maktoum Al Maktoum said: "I think the change of tactics did it. It was suggested Pat ride him positively."