Buick handed eight-day suspension at Windsor

William Buick will be available for Qatar Goodwood Festival next week despite being given an eight-day ban for careless riding at Windsor on Monday evening.

An enquiry was held after the penultimate British Stallion Studs EBF Support The Big Bear Voyage Fillies’ Handicap when Buick’s mount Sunshine Star, trained by John and Thady Gosden, to consider interference with Ralph Beckett’s Crystal Pier inside the final furlong.

The two-time champion jockey was found to have angled his mount left-handed after going through a gap, but did not leave sufficient room for Crystal Pier who clipped heels and stumbled before finishing last of seven runners.

Sunshine Star came home in second behind Andrew Balding’s Dream Camp in the 10-furlong contest. Saffie Osborne, aboard third-placed Mythical Bird, was also interviewed, but was found not to be involved in the incident.

The stewards report read: “An enquiry was held to consider interference approximately one furlong out involving Sunshine Star, placed second, ridden by William Buick and Crystal Pier, unplaced, ridden by Rossa Ryan.

“Saffie Osborne, the rider of Mythical Bird, placed third, was also interviewed but found to be not involved. Buick was suspended for eight days for careless riding as he angled his mount left-handed to continue his run when insufficiently clear of Crystal Pier, causing Ryan to clip heels and stumble badly.”

Buick will serve his suspension between August 3 and August 10, making him free to ride during the five-day meeting in Sussex which starts next Tuesday.