OK, I don't want to drag up the whole sorry whip ban saga again but AP is on a dodgy novice chaser who barely jumped a twig on the first circuit, he galvanised Prince of Pirates to dead heat with Richard Johnsons, Blackloon High. To me it looked like a great ride, a great job of nurturring a novice round, giving him confidence and then getting the best out of him up the run in, the stewards failed to use their infamous discretion and he gets a 4 day ban. Now, the main point for this thread is thaqt his 4 day ban runs 1-4 March, so by my reckoning around this time week jocks will start getting nervous about picking up bans for the festival. This was McCoys 2nd whip ban, now I now there are delays to bans for minor offences if there's a G1 race during the ban but would this apply to a 3rd or 4th or 5th offence ? And would it apply to a more serious offence ? Anyone have any views on his ride today ?
I do agree with you RV. But rules are rules at the end of the day, if you do crime be prepared to do the time
Not seen anything black and white on the "deferral if a Grade 1 race on the card" Grizzly - but in theory that could prevent anyone being banned for Cheltenham because there is a Grade 1 race every day. I don't know the small print associated with that rule I'm afraid - maybe Princess can help?
Yes, and he must have realised he was breaking the rules. But yes it was a great ride (I've just watched the replay). AP hasn't lost any of his ability over the years, long may he continue. Don't know what the answer is re the whip rules....the new ones don't seem to be working out very well. I can see bans being handed out left right and centre at Cheltenham and it will look very bad for racing
The Right Honourable Cyc for the Prosecution. My Lord, Would it not be the case that a horse needing to whipping to jump a fence, should not be there in the first place?
I've just replied to Oddy's question about the Group/Grade 1 defferal on my thread, but I'll repost it here. I searched the BHA Rules of Racing (which is online for all of you who have far too much time on your hands to read!) and it states that the Group/Grade 1 defferal can only be used if the ban is of 4 days or less.
Thanks for that PN - so is there a set guideline at what point repeat offenders will be issued bans of greater than 4 days ? I doubt a rider can consistently strike a horse 9 times and pick up 4 days every time, at some point stewards will increase that ban ?
