Tony McCoy's appearance before the Jockey Club's disciplinary committee yesterday earned him an 18-day suspension and a return to the classroom as the stewards strive to bring the British champion's use of the whip into line.

McCoy was forced to attend the hearing after the Fontwell stewards found him guilty of using his whip with excessive force on Bamapour in a claiming hurdle last Monday.

McCoy had amassed a total of 15 days' suspension during the last 12 months, making an appearance before the Jockey Club inevitable.

The ban, which includes four days deferred for six months, will run from Thursday, November 19th, to Friday, December 4th, inclusive on days on which jump racing is scheduled.

McCoy will also attend the British Racing School in Newmarket for a day for coaching on his use of the whip.