Spencer launches crucial appeal

Jamie Spencer’s appeal against the two-day ban he picked up at Ascot on Saturday will be heard on Thursday.

The former champion jockey is hoping to reverse the decision of the local stewards to suspend him on May 23 and 24 for not riding out for sixth place on High Heel Sneakers in the Bovis Homes Buckhounds Stakes.

Spencer was given a 10-day suspension (May 22-May 31 inclusive) at Longchamp on Sunday after finishing fourth on Excellent Art in the French 2000 Guineas.

The Horserace Regulatory Authority today informed the French authorities the two suspensions coincide.

Should Spencer win his appeal against the Ascot ban the dates of the French suspension would stand. However, if he fails and he does not appeal against the Longchamp decision he faces missing the two-day Epsom meeting featuring the Derby and the Oaks on June 1 and 2.