Lorcan Williams will not ride at this year's Cheltenham Festival after he was found guilty of breaching new whip rules by the British Horseracing Authority this week. Â
A stricter penalty system for violations, starting with a four-day suspension for going over the allowed seven strikes, was set up last Monday regarding the use of the whip.
The rules included a reduction in the number of strikes allowed from eight to seven over jumps, plus a tightening of the regulations on use of the whip over shoulder height.
Williams prevailed on Makin'yourmindup last weekend in the Albert Bartlett Prestige Novices' Hurdle, but the rider is said to of violated the whip limit in the process during the race.
There had been fears from famous horse trainer Paul Nicholl's that William's would miss Cheltenham on Monday after his breach and those fears has now become a reality.
The Whip Review Committee met on Tuesday to assess the case.
Williams winning ride on Makin'yourmindup at Haydock on Saturday has resulted in an 18-day suspension.
🚨 Breaking: Lorcan Williams has been given an 18 day ban for his winning ride on Makin’yourmindup — Stephen R Power (@racingblogger) February 21, 2023
He will be ruled out of the Cheltenham Festival for breaching the new whip rules.
What's your opinion on this situation for jockeys moving forwards? 😳pic.twitter.com/ll2J7NOUtx
He was found to have used his whip twice more than was allowed, but because the race was a Grade Two, a stiffer punishment was meted out in keeping with the new system.
His suspension will be in effect from March 7 to March 24. Williams also received a £1,050 fine.
Williams, said after the verdict : "I'm absolutely devastated to be missing the four biggest days of the year. I'm heartbroken but I'll just have to take it on the chin and move forward.
"With all the emotion that comes across during a close finish and you're trying to finish in the best possible position.
"I ride on instinct and on Saturday I used the stick where I thought I needed it to ensure my best position. I wasn't aware of how many hits I had used - two of them were to correct my horse to make sure there was enough room for myself and Kevin Brogan.
"The shoulder height rule is very difficult. I've trained my whole life a certain way and I'm one of the biggest jockeys in the weighing room and the technique I use is for the best welfare of the horse I'm riding. I've got very long arms and I've got to bring my arm over my head to make sure I'm making the right connection in the correct spot.
"It's a lot for a jockey to take on board and having all that held above us is very difficult."
The 2023 Cheltenham Festival will run from Tuesday, March 14 to Friday, March 17. The meeting is run over four days with seven races on each day, so 28 in total. The first race of each day will be due off at 1:30pm with the last run at 5:30pm.
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