Jockey Billy Loughnane has been banned for three weeks of the Flat Turf season after receiving a significant suspension at Southwell. At just 20, Loughnane was Britain’s most successful jockey last year, setting a 21st-century record with 223 victories and finishing runner-up to Oisin Murphy in the jockeys’ championship.

His ambition for 2026 is to claim the main crown for the first time, and he has already ridden 44 winners on the all-weather ahead of that campaign. On Thursday, he was aboard Beelzebub for trainer David Loughnane, who bears no relation, in the final 6f handicap on the Southwell card.

However, his mount was withdrawn by the racecourse vet after Beelzebub was kicked behind the stalls at the start.

Loughnane then rode the horse back from the start, leading to him being called to a stewards’ inquiry.

The stewards’ report stated: “Billy Loughnane, the rider of Beelzebub, had ridden his mount back from the start after the gelding had been withdrawn by the Veterinary Surgeon, as it was found to be lame due to being kicked at the start.”

“The rider, the BHA Veterinary Officer and the Racecourse Veterinary Surgeon were interviewed.

“Loughnane was suspended for 21 days for improper riding in that in riding his mount back, he had acted against the instructions of the Veterinary Surgeon.”

Loughnane will be sidelined from April 9-30, resulting in him missing the Craven meeting at Newmarket and the two-day Greenham fixture at Newbury.

He is set to return to action a day prior to the 2,000 Guineas, where he is expected to ride the second favourite, Bow Echo.