Appeal lodged by Hills over ban.

Byline: By Robert Pratt 

Richard Hills will have his appeal against a 21-day ban imposed on him by the Newcastle stewards heard at Jockey Club headquarters on Tuesday.

The suspension, from May 1 to 10 inclusive and May 12 to 22 inclusive, currently costs him the rides on fancied candidates in both the Sagitta 2000 and 1000 Guineas.

He had been due to partner Khulood in the fillies' Classic and Muqbil in the 2000 Guineas.

Speaking at Beverley races yesterday, Hills said: "I have lodged an appeal."

Michael Caulfield, chief executive of the Jockeys Association, following consultation with all parties, said: "Richard Hills has decided to appeal following the suspension imposed at Newcastle on Tuesday.

"We feel there are grounds for an appeal and we know we will receive a fair hearing when the case is heard by the disciplinary committee of the Jockey Club on Tuesday, April 29.

"We are not able to add any further information prior to the appeal."

At Newcastle the local stewards found him guilty of failing to ride out to the line on the John Dunlop-trained Buthaina, who dead-heated with Swift Alchemist in the median auction maiden stakes.

As well as missing the first two Classics of the season the ban means Hills will not be able to ride at the big meetings at Chester, York and Goodwood.

Buthaina wore down the eventual third Jordans Elect in the closing stages, but Swift Alchemist, racing on the opposite side of the course, forced a share of first place.

ROBERT PRATT