- Horse Racing
Harding hit with 13-day ban for ride on Lively Baron
Brian Harding has been slapped with a 13-day ban for excessive use of the whip aboard Lively Baron at Hexham on Friday.
Harding was riding the favourite Lively Baron in the Weatherbys Bloodstock Insurance Novices' Chase. His mount made a series of slow jumps early in the race, prompting Harding to issue reminders.
Lively Baron looked like dropping out of contention at one stage, but the rider's urgings paid dividends as he cajoled his mount into taking interest in the race.
Heading out of the back straight, Lively Baron had worked his way into contention and was vying with eventual winner Rolecarr for the lead.
Lively Baron stayed on powerfully and hit the front after the final fence, but was headed in the final strides despite the best efforts of Harding.
The ride drew widespread praise but the stewards took a dim view of his use of the whip and handed down a 13-day suspension.
David Probert fell foul of the controversial new whip rules at Ffos Las - with the rider picking up a nine-day ban for his ride aboard second-placed Taste The Wine in the Gorrel Equipment Solutions Ltd Handicap.