Callum Shepherd Appeals 18-Day Ban After Controversial Dead-Heat

Callum Shepherd has challenged the judge's call of a dead-heat in the final race at Kempton on Wednesday night – a ruling that led to an 18-day suspension for the jockey.

While riding Thorntonledale Max, trained by David Simcock, in the seven-furlong handicap, Shepherd was adjudicated to have not taken "all reasonable and permissible measures on a horse which would have finished outright first" as Flavour Maker managed to secure a share of the first prize at the finish line.

Nevertheless, Shepherd has voiced his skepticism regarding the dead-heat ruling and, as a result, the decision to impose a prolonged suspension for his ride.

He told the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, "In my view, and in the view of everyone who has examined it closely, there's a clear gap between the Roger Varian-trained horse (Flavour Maker) and the finish line. We are clearly on and past the line."

'It was 8:30 PM, the final race of the night, and it was dark. However, if you put your phone on full brightness, I believe it's clear to everyone who examines it that, although the margin might be small, there is a distinct gap and a margin in our favor.

'It's one they have got wrong I feel.

'In most situations, a dead-heat might not be a big deal, but in this particular case, it holds significant importance to me. This is irrespective of the allegation that I stopped riding, which I categorically deny.'

'The simplest way to resolve this issue is to examine the photo, and it's quite evident that a mistake has been made and that we were the clear winners.'

Shepherd is slated to be sidelined from September 4-21, a time frame that includes the St Leger meeting at Doncaster and the Ayr Gold Cup event.

Shepherd confirmed his intention to appeal the ban, stating: "I strongly reject the allegation that I didn't give the horse the best chance to win the race. Regardless of the photo, I'm very upset by the accusation. It's quite insulting to riders, and I will be taking action."