FREDDIE MITCHELL BANNED FOR 12 DAYS AFTER MARIOLE TAKES WRONG COURSE AT WARWICK

Conditional jockey Freddie Mitchell has been suspended for 12 days by the Warwick stewards after steering the Nicky Henderson-trained Mariole off the correct track while leading in Wednesday's Dudley Peverill Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.

Mariole, a 9-2 chance in the five-runner, two-mile-three-furlong contest, was bowling along in front when the pair drifted right on the turn into the back straight, heading towards a different course on the approach to the sixth flight. By the time Mitchell tried to straighten up, the island railing had closed in and the gelding was effectively out of the race. He was eventually tailed off.

WHAT THE STEWARDS FOUND

According to the official stewards' report, published by the Racing Post, an inquiry looked into why Mariole had appeared to go the wrong way entering the back straight. Mitchell was interviewed and shown the race recordings, and the stewards concluded he had taken the incorrect line and corrected his mount too late. Twelve days is the standard penalty for taking the wrong course. The dates of the suspension had not been published at the time of writing.

It was a frustrating afternoon for connections of Mariole, who was making his second appearance of the campaign after finishing fifth on his return last month.

RYDER COMPLETES SERAPHIC HAT-TRICK

The incident left Mister Des Places in front, but the 6-5 favourite Seraphic, travelling strongly under Isabelle Ryder, took over at the fourth-last and came home four and three-quarter lengths clear. Mister Des Places (13-8) held on for second, with 28-1 shot Douglas Dc third.

Trained by David Killahena and Graeme McPherson, the six-year-old has now won three on the bounce, having been partnered by Kielan Woods for his first two victories last month. Ryder admitted the drama had left her in front sooner than planned, but praised her mount's jumping. "He's so accurate with his jumping and didn't miss a beat round there," she told Racing TV.

The success took Ryder to the top of the conditional jockeys' championship on 13 winners, one clear of Rian Corcoran, while Mitchell now faces a spell on the sidelines during one of the busiest periods of the jumps season.