Lima receives 24-day ban for whip misuse

Diego Lima has been issued with a 24-day suspension after being found to have misused the whip at York's Dante meeting on May 14.

After being initially handed a two-day ban for "unacceptable" use of the whip on two-year-old Ranting Duke in the stalls ahead of the Sky Bet ebfstallions.com Novice Stakes, the rider has been punished further by the authorities for his actions during the race.

The Whip Review Committee's report read: "Diego Lima, the rider of Ranting Duke, placed second, was found to have used his whip more than five times above the permitted level of six approaching the final two furlongs and to have used his whip in the incorrect place on the run to the line.

"Taking into account that none of the uses were clearly and unequivocally for safety purposes, Ranting Duke was disqualified under Rule (L)47.11. Mr Lima will be suspended for 24 days from Tuesday 02 to Thursday 25 June 2026, inclusive."