Spencer lodges appeal to ban

Jamie Spencer has lodged an appeal against the riding ban which could rule him out of the mount on Necklace in the UltimateBet.com 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on Sunday week, the Irish Turf Club confirmed this morning.

Spencer was handed a one-day suspension for excessive and improper use of the whip when winning the Leopardstown 1000 Guineas Trial on Aidan O’Brien’s Royal Tigress at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Denis Egan, chief executive at the Turf Club, said the appeal was against the severity of the decision of the acting stewards at Leopardstown and that it was “95 per cent certain” to be held on Monday morning.

“Jamie has indicated his availability and you can take it that it will be on Monday,” he explained.

Had Spencer committed the offence in Britain the punishment would not have taken effect on 1000 Guineas day, as Group One racedays are excluded.