Woodbine rider draws year ban

Jockey Simon Husbands is facing a suspension of one calendar year for what stewards termed "an unsatisfactory ride" aboard Bug's Boy, who finished second in the third race at Woodbine on Nov. 30.

"Husbands did not persevere with his mount throughout the race or demonstrate an effort to ensure the best and fastest race of which his mount was capable," read the stewards' ruling, which was released Saturday.

Stewards Richard Grubb, Fenton Platts, and Gunnar Lindberg heard testimony from Husbands and trainer John LeBlanc, whose wife, Maggie, and son, Douglas, own Bug's Boy. Robert King, secretary manager of the Jockeys' Benefit Association of Canada, also was present.

Bug's Boy finished second in the race at 14-1.

Husbands, 39, is the older brother of Patrick Husbands, who has been one of the top riders at Woodbine over the past decade.

Through Friday, Simon Husbands had ridden 165 horses at the Woodbine meeting and recorded 13 wins, a total of 45 in-the-money finishes, and earnings of $677,495.

Grubb, the senior steward at the hearing, said that Husbands indicated he will appeal the suspension, which was set for Dec. 8, 2008, through Dec. 7, 2009.