An Irish jockey has been suspended for taking a ride of a different kind during a race meeting at Bellewstown on Friday.

Danny Mullins received one of the most unusual bans in racing history after the stewards suspended him for 14 days for driving the on-course ambulance back to the weighing room, the Racing Post has reported.

Mullins retired his mount Private Treasure from a hurdle race but his patience ran out as he waited for assistance.

He decided to take matters into his own hands and he drove the Order of Malta vehicle back to the scales area so he could weigh out in time for the next race.

Lt Norman Biggane, an Order of Malta representative, told an inquiry that the absence of the ambulance down on the course left the Order of Malta personnel without their equipment and a mode of communication.

The stewards banned Mullins for behaviour prejudicial to the integrity, conduct and good reputation of racing.