Diego Lima Suspended for 24 Days after Breach of Whip Rules at York

Jockey Diego Lima has been suspended for 24 days after being found to have breached the whip rules when guiding Ranting Duke to a runner-up finish in last week's Sky Bet ebfstallions.com Novice Stakes at York. Ranting Duke has also been disqualified.

“Diego Lima, the rider of Ranting Duke, placed second, was found to have used his whip more than five times above the permitted level of six approaching the final two furlongs and to have used his whip in the incorrect place on the run to the line,” read a statement issued by the Whip Review Committee on Tuesday.

“Taking into account that none of the uses were clearly and unequivocally for safety purposes, Ranting Duke was disqualified under Rule (L)47.11. Mr Lima will be suspended for 24 days from Tuesday 02 to Thursday 25 June 2026, inclusive.”

Lima, who was having his first ride in Britain on the Knavesmire, also came under scrutiny for his handling of Ranting Duke before the race had even begun. Indeed, stewards on the day had already handed the Brazilian native a two-day suspension after he “appeared to use his whip in an inappropriate and unacceptable way in the stalls”.