Dual champion jockey Davy Russell and fellow rider Phillip Enright are set to miss some of the high-profile action over the festive period after both were suspended following a bizarre whip-related incident at Clonmel.
Russell was riding the Charles Byrnes-trained 8-13 favourite Leave At Dawn in the Powerstown Handicap Hurdle, while Enright was aboard 33-1 shot Backinyourbox.
Russell dropped his whip after his mount made a bad mistake at the first obstacle and television coverage showed him appearing to take Enright's stick before the runners jumped the second flight.
Both horses finished well down the field, with Leave At Dawn a disappointing eighth and Backinyourbox further back in 12th position.
The stewards found Russell and Enright in breach of Rule 272, which is related to bringing racing into disrepute, and were handed five-day suspensions.
The riders will sit out the two racing days before Christmas, 20 and 21 December, as well as the action from 26-28 December.
Russell said: "I never set out to do this as it wasn't premeditated.
"The suspension has come as a bit of a shock. I've nothing more to say and will have to digest it."
