THE Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) Appeal Panel has reduced a suspension of six months given to jockey Pat Cosgrave following an appeal.

Cosgrave, who was slapped with a riding ban after his ride on the Mike de Kock-trained Anaerobio in the Gr1 Jebel Hatta at Meydan in Dubai on 8 March 2014, is now suspended for four months. The penalty will expire on 16 July 2014.

The ERA delivered its findings regarding Cosgrave’s appeal on Monday, stipulating:

1. The Appeal deposit of AED 1,500 is forfeited to the Emirates Racing Authority
2. Each party, the Emirates Racing Authority and the Appellant Jockey, are to bear their own legal and other costs and disbursements, save that:
3. The fees of the Appeal Hearing transcribers be borne by Emirates Racing Authority and the Appellant Jockey equally

The Appellant Jockey is to bear the costs of the Appeal Panel members.

Pat Cosgrave, some breathing space.