Keightley intends to appeal ban

Trainer Shaun Keightley is planning to appeal against the three-year suspension imposed by the Jockey Club over the running and riding of Red Lancer at Wolverhampton in 2003.

Keightley was also fined £3,500 (€5,200) and told not to reapply for a training licence for a further two years after the warning-off period expires.

Red Lancer’s jockey Pat McCabe was banned for 28 days after being found in breach of rule 157, which concerns allowing a horse to run on its merits.

Keightley, who was represented by Stephen Gilchrist at the disciplinary panel hearing on Wednesday, was found guilty of five separate charges but he plans to contest the decision.

Gilchrist said: “Mr Keightley is very disappointed at the outcome but intends to appeal this decision.

“Over and above this, Mr Keightley has no further comment at this time.”

Red Lancer finished ninth of 11 runners in the wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk Selling Stakes at Dunstall Park on October 20, 2003.