Grand National winner Tony McCoy is one of nine riders to receive a 10-day suspension following an incident at Wetherby.

Chaos ensued when a yellow “void race” flag was shown and many of the riders failed to stop.

The Betfair Handicap Hurdle, which took place on October 12, was stopped because an injured horse was receiving treatment on the track.

The flag was displayed by head groundsman, Ian Ward, on the home turn. Denis O’Regan, riding King’s Counsel, was allegedly seen to briefly stop riding before entering into a short discussion with several other jockeys before they set off again.

An inquiry was called for before the celebrations were over, much to the chagrin of the riders, who felt there was plenty of space for the race to continue safely.

Jonjo Sanderson, chief executive of the racecourse, said: “The stewards held an inquiry and their report will be sent to the British Horseracing Authority.

“Our head groundsman, who has 30 years of experience, has the responsibility for making the decision as to whether the yellow flag should be deployed and he made the judgment call that he didn’t think it was safe to continue.

“Maybe, in hindsight, he didn’t get it right, but he had to make that call for safety reasons and he has my full support.

“Of course, I feel a great deal of sympathy for the riders and the circumstances in which they have received their suspensions.”