A JOCKEY has been hit with a huge one-year ban - after punters claimed his 'suspicious' ride 'let his girlfriend win' a race.

US-based rider Albin Jimenez was hauled in front of stewards after the trainer of 3-5 favourite Afleet Vintage demanded an immediate investigation.

Handler Tommy Drury Jr removed Jimenez from all his booked rides on his runners following the incident at Belterra Park racecourse in Ohio.

In the race itself, Jimenez, who is the leading rider at the track and has more than $35million in career earnings, appeared to be going well on the odds-on favourite.

Held up at the back, it looked like he was waiting for the straight before making his move down the outside.

But for whatever reason, the horse doesn't pick up despite being encouraged with one strike of the whip

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