Big ban for de Sousa Silvestre de Sousa will miss Qipco British Champions Day after being handed a 21-day ban under the totting up procedure by the disciplinary panel of the British Horseracing Authority. De Sousa was found guilty of using his whip above the permitted level on Karl Burke's Toocoolforschool when winning the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury last weekend by a total of seven lengths. The matter was referred to the BHA following an inquiry at Newbury because it was De Sousa's fifth offence of misuse of the whip, warranting a suspension of between two to six days, in the last six months. Seven days of the ban have been deferred. De Sousa rode Farhh to a famous victory in the Champion Stakes last season. The Brazilian could have some better news relating to his time in Dubai, however. He had been facing the possibility of being placed on the forfeit list by the Dubai Racing Authority relating to £20,000 costs incurred in appealing a two-day ban he picked up at Meydan. De Sousa has challenged the reasonableness of the costs and has asked for a full breakdown. De Sousa's agent Gareth Owen said: "He's not been put on the forfeit list today and they have closed for the day. "I know there was some communication via e-mail between the two parties and I've spoken to Silvestre's wife today. "We're hoping that we've got some more time and that it is in the process of being sorted out."
