Hayley Turner: Newmarket jockey banned for breaking betting rules

Newmarket jockey Hayley Turner has been banned from riding for three months for breaching betting rules.

34-year-old Turner, who is British flat racing's most successful female jockey and is now part of the ITV Racing team, officially retired in 2015 but kept her licence.

Following her decision to quit, she set up an online betting account, but then returned to the saddle to compete in France earlier this year.

Turner, who didn't bet on any races in which she was riding, didn't contest the charge of placing bets while still holding a jockey's licence.

The suspension will take place with immediate effect, although she won't be disqualified, meaning she can still visit and work on racecourses and other licensed premises.

"It is a strict requirement under the rules of racing in Britain that licensed jockeys do not place bets on any races," Jamie Stier from the British Horseracing Authority said.

"It is a strict requirement under the rules of racing in Britain that licensed jockeys do not place bets on any races.

"It is simply not appropriate to the public's perception of the sport's integrity that those who are licensed to ride in races should be able to bet on the sport, even on races in which they are not participating. This is consistent with other major sports."