Champion jockey Colin Keane was ruled out of the Irish Derby (G1) festival after picking up a seven-day ban for improper riding at Leopardstown Racecourse June 15.
Riding Mobilise for Ger Lyons in the Leopardstown Handicap, Keane was involved in an incident over a furlong out in which Lady Christa, ridden by Robbie Colgan, was squeezed up between Mobilise and the Luke McAteer-ridden runner-up Free Flow, almost being brought down in the process. Keane's mount went on to win by a length and a quarter.
In their judgment, the stewards concluded that Keane was at fault for the incident and handed him the seven-day ban.
Keane said: "I thought it was harsh. I thought it was 50-50, I thought if I got done then Luke would get done too. If his horse had stayed straight it would not have been as bad, which is why I thought the two of us would get done."
Asked if he would appeal, Keane replied: "Probably not. It would be a waste of time."
The Irish Derby will be run July 2, a Sunday, at the Curragh, with racing also taking place on the Friday and Saturday. Epsom hero Auguste Rodin is the 4-7 ante-post favorite to secure a classic double.
