MICHAEL HILLS will view the film of the incident that ruled him out of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes before deciding whether to appeal against a three day riding ban.
He will not commit himself to challenging the suspension that costs him the ride on favourite Pentire until he has considered his options at Newbury today.
Hills, collected the ban at Doncaster on Wednesday night where he was found guilty of careless riding. Riders have two working days in which to appeal which would leave him until the end of today to lodge a protest.
Geoff Wragg, trainer of 1995 runner up Pentire, is not expected to look for a replacement jockey until he learns of Hills' decision but Paul Eddery is the only other rider to have partnered Pentire.
Among other outstanding riding arrangements still to be finalised are partners for the Henry Cecil trained Farasan, whose odds have tumbled from 33 to 1 to 12 to 1, and Oscar Schindler.
Cecil and Oscar Schindler's trainer Kevin Prendergast are close to securing a pilot. But Pat Eddery, who has been booked for Shaamit, and Michael Kinane, who has been linked with Classic Cliche, are not available.
Oscar Schindler returned sore from his Hardwicke Stakes triumph, having jumped both roads that cross the course, a concern highlighted by other trainers during the Royal Meeting.
"He could have been injured and was sore when he came back," said Prendergast. "I hope Ascot ensures it can't happen again. But he is very well now. He has won on hard ground and it was very hard there last time but I hope conditions are easier next time. Whatever beats him will win."
Oscar Schindler was eased out to 14 to 1 in Coral betting on the big race in the face of sustained support for last year's third Strategic Choice. The Paul Cole trained colt, who has a length and a half to make up on Pent ire on last year's running, was cut to 7 to 1 from 10 to 1.
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