The Daily Racing Form is reporting that jockey Simon Husbands was suspended for a year for "an unsatisfactory ride" aboard Bug's Boy, who finished second at 14-1 to his brother Patrick in the third race at Woodbine on Sunday, Nov. 30.
"Husbands did not persevere with his mount throughout the race or demonstrate an effort to ensure the best and fastest race of which his mount was capable," the stewards' ruling stated.
According to the Daily Racing Form, stewards Richard Grubb, Fenton Platts, and Gunnar Lindberg heard testimony from Husbands and trainer John LeBlanc, whose wife, Maggie, and son, Douglas, own Bug's Boy. Robert King, secretary manager of the Jockeys' Benefit Association of Canada, also was present.
In 165 mounts at the Woodbine meet, Husbands has recorded 13 wins, a total of 45 in-the-money finishes and $677,495 in earnings.
The article reports that Husbands indicated he will appeal the suspension, which was set for Dec. 8, 2008, through Dec. 7, 2009.
(With files from the Daily Racing Form)