South African ace Douglas Whyte yesterday withdrew his appeal against a five-day ban on the eve of tomorrow's Stewards' Cup meeting, which means an out-of-the-blue call-up for English jockey Brett Doyle to partner Horse of the Year, Oriental Express.
Whyte withdrew the appeal after a long talk with retaining trainer Ivan Allan and said last night: 'Ivan went over the transcripts of the hearing and we had a long discussion.
'He raised a number of points and I have done what we believe is in the best interests of the stable.' Whyte was handed the ban after a whip incident involving apprentice John C. W. Mok after the line in the final race at Sha Tin last Saturday.
The ban took immediate effect once Whyte withdrew his notice of appeal and lost his $5,000 deposit.
Former champion trainer Allan said last night: 'I feel very sorry for Douglas, who has acted like a true sportsman and graciously withdrawn his appeal.
'I will be offering the ride on Oriental Express to Brett Doyle as he is available. I have not decided yet on replacement jockeys for the other horses involved. I have spoken to Larry Yung [owner of Oriental Express] and he has left the decision to me.
'It is an unfortunate situation but racing has to go on. The sport is bigger than any one person or stable.' Oriental Express runs in the Stewards' Cup, first leg of the Triple Crown.
