Three-month ban for Turner over betting

Britain’s most successful female jockey Hayley Turner has been banned for three months for operating a betting account while licensed.

Turner officially retired from the saddle at the end of the 2015 turf season and after initially establishing a media career with At The Races and ITV Racing, Turner recently opted to return to race riding in France.

Her decision to open an online account following her initial retirement prompted a BHA inquiry as she technically still held a licence, leaving the rider in breach of the rules.

The suspension takes immediate effect, although Turner is not disqualified, meaning she can still visit and work on racecourses and other licensed premises.

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“At the end of the day I made a huge mistake and have to suffer the penalty as I did break the rules,” Turner said.

“The problem was I saw myself as a television pundit rather than as a jockey, which explains as to why I started betting while working on ATR and on ITV.

“Three months is a long time and I do think it is quite harsh, especially as I have a mortgage to pay, but I have just got to take it on the chin.”

Turner had been carving out a good living in France, taking full advantage of the fact all female jockeys riding there now receive a 4.4lb (2kg) allowance.