David Walker's career as a jockey is virtually over after the 38-year-old yesterday copped a seven-year ban for not giving his own ride every chance to win a race in which he'd already bet on a rival.
It amounted to horse racing's most serious offence.
Seven years' disqualification, which means no contact with horses or racetracks, is virtually a life sentence.
Although jockeys can survive through to their 50s and ride well, it is with constant contact. A seven-year gap is almost impossible to overcome.
Walker was quoted on Monday as saying if he was given six months away from racing he would almost certainly find whatever he filled that time in with more enjoyable than race riding. He now has a different consideration.