The British Horseracing Authority have handed Aidan Coleman a four-day ban for over using his whip on Emperor’s Choice last month.
Coleman partnered the Venetia Williams-trained seven-year-old to a short-head victory in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow on December 27.
There were no concerns raised by local stewards immediately after the race but the BHA have since reviewed it and issued their punishment in a meeting held after racing at Ascot on Saturday.
“He’s like a lot of these staying chasers in that he’s hard work,” said Coleman.
“That’s why it is hard to know the number of smacks and maybe it is something to work on.
“I’m happy with what’s happened and that was the margin of error and it’s done.”
