Ben Curtis handed two week ban after being escorted from Newmarket Racecourse following breach

BEN Curtis’ slim title hopes were all but ended after he was handed a two week ban from all racecourses.

It comes after the top northern rider was escorted from Newmarket Racecourse on Friday evening by officials.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed that Curtis was shown out from the track for breaching strict COVID-19 protocols.

After a stewards’ enquiry took place at the course, Curtis was handed a two week ban.

Curtis had ridden 63 winners this season after being crowned all weather champion last campaign.

A BHA spokesman said: “Ben Curtis was ejected from Newmarket this afternoon for breaching the Covid-19 protocols.

“He will not be permitted to enter a racecourse for 14 days from today as per the published Covid-19 requirements whilst the matter is investigated further.”

Trainer Gary Moore was fined £750 earlier this month after breaching protocols at Goodwood, while Mark Gillard and his assistant Steven Hosie were each handed six-week racecourse bans following a hearing on Friday.

The pair were found to have contravened the Covid-19 rules at Newbury on August 15 and will be unable to attend a racecourse until September 26.