Jockey Diego Lima has been suspended for 24 days following whip misuse during York's Dante meeting on May 14. The incident occurred aboard two-year-old Ranting Duke in the Sky Bet ebfstallions.com Novice Stakes. Racing authorities initially handed Lima a two-day ban for unacceptable whip use in the stalls before the race.

The Whip Review Committee found Lima used his whip more than five times above the permitted level of six approaching the final two furlongs. Additionally, he used the whip in the incorrect place on the run to the line. Officials determined none of the uses served clear safety purposes, violating racing regulations.

As a result, Ranting Duke was disqualified under Rule (L)47.11. Lima's suspension runs from Tuesday, June 2 through Thursday, June 25, 2026. The severe penalty reflects the committee's stance on whip misuse in British racing, particularly when safety justifications cannot be established. This ruling sends a clear message about maintaining proper whip protocols during competitive racing events.

The disqualification impacts both the jockey's record and the horse's racing history, stripping the placing from the race result entirely.