Michael Kinane is set to miss the ride on Johannesburg in next month's Kentucky Derby after being hit with a seven-day suspension in the final race at Newmarket's Craven meeting today.
The Irish jockey was due to partner last season's champion juvenile for Aidan O'Brien in the big race on May 4th. But after he was found guilty of irresponsible riding of a major nature on Sahara Desert, first past the post in the Boadicea Conditions Stakes, the racecourse stewards opted to give him a seven-day suspension.
Jockey Club guidelines allow a penalty of between five and 10 days for such a misdemeanour and the stewards considered the offence to be in the middle of the range.
Kinane's mount was found to have interfered with Tumbleweed Charm inside the final furlong, who in turn hampered Western Verse.
Sahara Desert was placed fifth with the Richard Hannon-trained Nemo Fugat awarded the race.
Stipendiary steward Jeremy Ker explained: "The jockey made a manoeuvre where it ought to have been obvious to him that by doing so he would cause interference.
"Sahara Desert was placed fifth, directly behind Tumbleweed Charm and Western Verse as they were the horses he interfered with.
"He can appeal if he wishes, just as any jockey can against a punishment from the racecourse stewards."
The suspension rules him out on April 27th, 29th and 30th and May 1st-4th.
Kinane, who has until Monday evening to formally launch an appeal, declined to make a comment as he left the course.
American Jerry Bailey, who was due to ride Johannesburg's stablemate Castle Gandolfo in the Kentucky Derby, could now be the favourite to come in for the mount.
One possible course of action open to Kinane would be to seek a court injunction against the stewards' decision, forcing the suspension dates to be put back. Such a route has been taken before by Ballydoyle's lawyers.