Robbie Dunne given more time to decide if he wants to appeal against ban for bullying Bryony Frost

Robbie Dunne has been given an extra seven days to decide whether he wants to appeal against his 18-month suspension for bullying fellow jockey Bryony Frost.

Originally Dunne, 42, had a week to signal his intention from the publication of the BHA disciplinary panel’s written reasons for the penalty, which was delayed by Christmas until last Thursday.

Now Dunne — who was found guilty of four breaches of the rule relating to conduct prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of racing — must make an appeal decision by January 20.

Robbie Dunne has been given an extra seven days to decide whether he wants to appeal

Written reasons for finding Dunne guilty, and for the suspension he was given, were published last Thursday, 

As part of the summary explaining its decision, the panel wrote: ‘The matters proved were consecutive, occurred over six months, as time went by deepening in spitefulness, and consequently the words and acts achieving the increasingly chilling effect upon the victim which Mr Dunne intended.

‘As well as falling foul of the regulations as pleaded, such behaviour, from someone who presented himself as one of the elders of the sport, setting standards and allegedly offering wise counsel to junior jockeys was hypocritical.’

Dunne’s legal team indicated an appeal was a strong possibility on the day of the verdict. The rider’s legal team has been contacted for comment on the appeal and the application for an extension.

Dunne was last month handed an 18-month ban for bullying fellow jockey Bryony Frost (above)