Walsh appeals Aintree ban

Ruby Walsh has appealed against the five-day ban he incurred for using his whip with excessive frequency when winning on Edgardo Sol at Aintree on Saturday.

Walsh was left fuming after being found to have used his whip more than the allotted eight times allowed under the new regulations on the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding in the Betfred Bundles Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.

He has threatened to cut back his number of visits to Britain in protest and opted to miss this afternoon’s meeting at Chepstow.

Walsh, who is stable jockey to Willie Mullins in his native Ireland and rides for Nicholls in England, would be sidelined from November 5-9 inclusive if he is unsuccessful in his appeal.

The most significant fixture he is set to miss is at Down Royal on November 5, a card featuring the JNwine.com Champion Chase.

“He has appealed. We don’t know yet when it’s going to be heard or whether he’s going to be represented,” said BHA spokesman Robin Mounsey.