Hornby is going to miss Ascot due to a seven-day penalty

Rob Hornby, who finished third on Surrey Belle at Nottingham, will miss the entire Royal Ascot race because he failed to weigh in.

Although Hornby primarily rides for Ralph Beckett, he joined up with Hughie Morrison's Surrey Belle in the Sky Bet Extra Places Every Day Handicap. Hornby rode a winner earlier on the card when Kassaya, a half-sister to last year's 2000 Guineas winner Chaldean, won at the second attempt.

Surrey Belle, the joint 9-2 favourite, was sent off third past the post. However, Hornby failed to weigh in, thus his horse was disqualified, and Merrijig was promoted one spot.

The steward’s report read: “The clerk of the scales objected to Surrey Belle, placed third, ridden by Rob Hornby on the grounds of the rider failing to weigh in. Surrey Belle was disqualified and the placings were revised as follows: First- EExpressionless, Second- Marbuzet, Third- Merrijig and Fourth- Liberated Lad. After being interviewed, the rider was suspended for seven days and was not entitled to a riding fee.”