An amateur jockey who rode his first winner for 12 years on New Year's Eve has been handed a 52-day ban by the British Horse Racing Authority after an inquiry found he broke strict whip rules by hitting the successful horse 23 times.
Robert Cooper ended a long drought by riding Elton Fox to victory in a hurdle race at Uttoxeter racecourse but was hauled in front of the stewards who referred the matter to the BHA.
Jockeys are restricted to eight hits in total in jumps races.
