Heffernan appeals

Seamus Heffernan has lodged an appeal with the Horseracing Regulatory Authority against the Ascot stewards’ decision to ban him for 14 days for improper riding under the rule covering pacemakers and team tactics.

The Irish jockey was deemed to have interfered with Frankie Dettori’s mount Librettist on the home turn in a controversial race for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Saturday.

Heffernan was aboard Ivan Denisovich, one of three runners from the Aidan O’Brien stable, whose George Washington went on to lift the mile championship in impressive fashion. Librettist, one of two Godolphin representatives, finished sixth.

After the inquiry, a row broke out between Dettori and O’Brien with the Italian accusing the Ballydoyle stable of foul play.

It was the first time the HRA had used the rules regarding team tactics since they were introduced following the Shergar Cup three years ago.

The HRA’s disciplinary department are looking into suitable dates for the inquiry which will be open to the media.