Dean McKeown quits after race chiefs ban him again

Dean McKeown's controversial ride on Rascal In The Mix at Southwell yesterday will prove to be the last of his career.

The British Horseracing Authority withdrew the 48-year-old's licence under the non-triers' rule after stewards at Southwell referred the case to the sport's governing body.

McKeown, who was warned off for four years last month after a corruption inquiry, was able to continue to ride under disciplinary panel rules.

Paul Struthers, the BHA's communications manager, explained: "When the panel made their decision to disqualify him for four years, they said the penalties would not commence until seven days after he had received the full reasons for this decision."

Rascal In The Mix had been the subject of suspicious betting patterns and McKeown's ride was followed by an isolated camera as a result.

McKeown, who's biggest career victories came on triple Group 1 winner Collier Hill, claims he won't miss riding. He said: "It's a big shock. It's pointless me riding horses because it's unfair on the owners. I'm in a position where I just can't win.