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Mackay calls off ban appeal
Nicky Mackay has called off his appeal against a controversial 10-day whip ban given to him at Wolverhampton last week as it has been reduced to four days under the new regime.
The jockey had been angered by the stewards' decision and was supported by trainer John Gosden after he won on the wayward Stars In Your Eyes at Dunstall Park on February 13. A hearing was set for Thursday.
The jockey was adjudged to have used his whip 10 times on the filly, who had hung violently across the track around two of the bends. As it was his second whip offence in 12 months, the penalty was doubled.
"Given that the penalty I was issued by the Wolverhampton stewards has been amended from 10 days to four, and having spoken to (solicitor) Rory Mac Neice and to John Gosden, I have decided not to go ahead with the appeal," Mackay said in a statement.
"I still believe that I was harshly done by and that I didn't do anything wrong, but given the change to the penalty I feel that my chances of success have probably been reduced.
"Hopefully the sensible changes announced by the BHA will mean another jockey doesn't find himself in the same position that I did."
Mackay had earlier said: "What was killing us was the doubling and trebling of bans and what they have done is good as the punishment didn't fit the crime. Overall, I think most jockeys will be happy with it."
Under the new rules, repeat offences do not result in the penalty multiplying, with each offence being treated on its merits instead. Serial offenders will, however, be referred to the disciplinary panel of the BHA.
