Hughes planning India ban appeal

Richard Hughes is planning to appeal against a hefty riding suspension picked up in India that could rule him out of the start of the British Flat season.

At a disciplinary hearing held today, Hughes was handed a significant ban for reportedly failing to ride to instructions at a recent meeting at Mahalaxmi racecourse.

“I think it’s a six-week ban, but I’m going to be appealing,” said Hughes.

It is not the first time Hughes has been in hot water with stewards during his stint in India.

Last month he was given a lengthy suspension for ’foul riding’, but was partially successful in an appeal as the ban was changed to a fine.

Hughes is due to return to the UK next week and asked if the events of the last couple of months would deter him from a return to India in the future, he added: “I would certainly have reservations.”

The Flat season in Britain gets under way at Doncaster on March 31.