A LEADING jockey from the region and his weighing room partner have been suspended from riding following a Horseracing Regulatory Authority inquiry.

Jockey Tony Culhane has been banned from riding for a year while his colleague, Dean Mernagh, has been suspended for nine months after an investigation into 37 races between July 2003 and February 2004.

The pair pleaded guilty to supplying information about the races to Gary Lyons, a former jump jockey and Culhane's brother-in-law, and Dave Watkins, his father-in-law.

Lyons used Watkins' Betdaq and Betfair accounts with his consent, making a £56,000 profit.

Lyons was warned off for two years, while Watkins was warned off for five years.

Mr Culhane, based at Bagby, near Thirsk, was found in breach of a rule relating to aiding or abetting individuals to lay or back horses with the benefit of inside information.

Mernagh, from Malton, was found in breach of Rule 243, namely communicating information to Mr Lyons or Mr Culhane for a reward.

Phil Williams, for Culhane and Mernagh, said: "They are both disappointed with the panel's decision.

"In particular, Tony Culhane pleaded guilty to being reckless in conversations with family, for which it was accepted he had no financial or other reward. There were never any allegations of failing to ride horses on the merits. Mr Mernagh is also extremely disappointed with the panel's decision. At the moment, we do not have the panel's written reasons. Again, for Mr Mernagh, there was never any allegation of failing to ride on the merits. They will both consider the appropriateness of the penalties imposed when they have full written reasons. They may appeal."

All four were found guilty of misleading Jockey Club officials during questioning.