Jack Duern was handed a five-month suspension by the BHA

Jack Duern was handed a five-month suspension by the disciplinary panel of the British Horseracing Authority following a referral hearing concerning continued misuse of the whip.

The apprentice's ride on Lightscameraction, who finished second in the 20 Risk-Free Bet at Unibet Nursery Handicap at Wolverhampton on October 31, triggered the hearing as it was Duern's fifth such offence, warranting a suspension of between two to six days, in the last six months.

He had also been referred to the BHA after a winning ride on Well Owd Mon in the Download the Coral App Handicap Stakes at Wolverhampton on November 22.

That was Duern's fourth offence of misuse of the whip, warranting a suspension of seven days or more, in the last six months.

The panel heard submissions from Duern's legal representative, and viewed recordings of the races.

Duern was suspended from riding for five months, of which seven weeks will be deferred for three months.

The suspension will run from December 5 until March 16.

Should he commit any whip offence after the latter date and before June 16, 2015, the deferred part of his penalty will be added to the suspension given to him by the stewards on the day.

The Panel noted that Duern had undertaken to attend the British Racing School and obtain an initial report as to his use of the whip, and with the help of the Professional Jockeys Association will then attend a number of face-to-face sessions with a jockey coach.