Jockey Spencer given 10-day ban

Spencer was champion jockey in 2005

Former champion jockey Jamie Spencer has been given a 10-day ban by the Horseracing Regulatory Authority.

He was found guilty of failing to ensure his mount Mickmacmagoole achieved the best possible placing in a race at Southwell in November 2005.

Spencer was cleared of any wrongdoing under the non-triers' rule.

The 26-year-old Irish rider, the champion jockey in 2005, was punished instead under the less serious Rule 158, which covers negligence.

"Obviously I am disappointed to be banned as I stand by the ride I gave, but I am glad I have been cleared of deliberately stopping a horse, as that is the reason I came here," said Spencer.

The case was referred after the horse's apparent improvement in form when winning a banded stakes race when well-backed at the same track three weeks later.

Spencer was summoned along with Irish trainer Seamus O'Donnell to answer questions concerning the running of the horse at the Nottinghamshire venue.

O'Donnell was cleared of any breach of Rule 155, which deals with trainers' responsibilities.

Spencer's dates of suspension are January 16 and 22-30 inclusive as he must already sit out January 17 to 21 after picking up a ban for careless riding at Kempton on Saturday.

The initial hearing was adjourned in February last year before it had even started after legal arguments.

"I think my riding at Kempton on Saturday showed my commitment as a rider when I got two bans," added Spencer.