In the same race above had a look at Stipes report
The performance of Zuzukel also caught the eye of the stewards. The 80-1 outsider finished eighth, beaten 22 lengths, but they took a dim view of the ride from James Costello and suspended him for ten days for being in breach of rule 212.
Held up in last, soon detached, tailed off with one circuit to go, some headway 4th, soon joined main group, not fluent but going okay 3 out, kept on when tenderly handled from 2 out, never near to challenge, eyecatcher (an inquiry into the running and riding; jockey stated his instructions were to jump off three or four lengths behind the field to give his mount the best chance to settle and run to the best of his ability; he further added that he rode the horse at home and he was very keen; trainer stated his charge was very keen and that unfortunately today he had ran on his nerves and freely, he stated that the horse was scoped following the race and showed mucus and a grade two bleed, he further added the rider could have had made more of an effort between third and second last; vet reported gelding was post race normal) (op 66/1 tchd 100/1)
I for one fully accept that we as humans make mistakes, just look at the examples of getting it wrong and dropping your hands before the line, from Pierre Strydom to poor old Solomons on Quasiforsure, i felt sorry for him, and how about Luke Nolan who almost bottled it on Black Caviar.
When you look objectively at this latest incident however, you have to ask, Is Fortune an apprentice, how long has he been riding and what has it taken to get his riding license renewed? I have no axe to grind with Fortune and for those who believe that he brings value to racing, good for you. However I don't believe that for some subjective reasons that I cannot look at an incident objectively. After all, I have nothing personal against Fortune, i just see someone who believes that rules don't apply to him, probably never has. Whilst this may be cool in some comedy skit, this outlook doesn't bode well for longevity in any sport or structure governed by rules.
It didn't take long following his return that we see him dropping his hands on a winning mount and he does so without sanction and this is the issue I have with the NHA. I would have totally supported the NHA should they have suspended him after that ride for 2-4 weeks. He at least would have understood that he was granted a license under the condition that he actually followed the rules. Obviously there is not need for the whip when far enough ahead but there is a rule and that is to ride your mount out to the line.
I never had a cent on the horse however as the owner of the horse I would have at least wanted him sanctioned. So spare a thought for the owner and punter suffering in silence because the governing body issued a warning. Ask yourself if the transgression of the rule, the cost of the first place check, the pick 6 and Jackpot tickets in the bin matches the sanction.
There are those of us that are owners and punters who really love the game, all we want to see is the rules followed by jockey's so that we get the best result for our horse or money as jockey's only take out of the game and are beneficiaries. The current behaviour is not one of a willing partnership and professionalism on the part of jockey's but rather one of flipping off the owner and punter and an unjustified arrogance.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Dave Scott, Pirhobeta, the fantasy
Shuck,I missed the exotic because I banked the Horse didn't notice the jockey change!
When Aldo D won two runs ago all the connections were excited about its future.
Hence my decision to follow and bank..Fear AF did everything correct including the inside rail.
Guys take cognizance of the winners finish.......was box in ,switched out,top ride from PO.
Big runner if Included at HWB Scotsville Sprint Day.
In my opinion, Gem King was in peak condition, and Tenango was a bit off the boil(imo). I have consistently underestimated Tenango on its canter to post, hence my comments that class should prevail. I personally feel that 1100m is at least 100m too short for Gem King in that class of field.
I also feel that AF underestimated his opposition (or maybe better it would be to say, he was over confident)
Should he be punished. imo, most definitely...democratically most punters would most likely agree.
