Kieran O'Neill to miss Derby day and Royal Ascot after receiving 28-day suspension for whip rule breaches

Jockey Kieran O'Neill, 38, has been handed a 28-day suspension by the BHA judicial panel after committing his fourth whip rule breach in six months, having used his whip once more than permitted at Windsor on May 7. The ban, running from June 6–25, will cause him to miss high-profile fixtures including Derby day and Royal Ascot. Nine of the 28 days are deferred for six months or 200 rides, and O'Neill must also complete specialist coaching on whip use; the panel noted this was his second referral for multiple whip infractions within 12 months, following a 22-day ban in June last year.