Spain appeals severity of 12-meeting ban

Zac Spain is appealing the severity of a suspension incurred at Benalla for careless riding in an incident in which he fell from his mount in the home straight.

Spain was outed for 12 meetings last Friday after his ride aboard St Paul’s Bay, who clipped heels near the 100m mark in an 1106m benchmark 58 race.

Spain was not hurt in the fall but stewards charged him with careless riding for attempting a run where there was insufficient room.

The suspension is due to commence after this Saturday but the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board will hear the jockey’s appeal against the severity of the penalty on Thursday.

Spain is booked for four rides at Morphettville on Saturday including the in-form Mick Price-trained filly Anjana in the Listed Redelva Stakes (1100m).

His Morphettville rides also include stakes-placed Sizzleme in the Group Three Schweppervescence Stakes (1800m) and Firstclass Dreamer in the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m).