October
JanuaryLet off lightly
I must say I share the opinion of David Atkins, and sympathise with the Newcastle-based trainer of Jonkers, when he claims to be stunned not only at the leniency of the charge but at the sentence handed out to Queensland jockey Matt McGilluvray after he caused severe interference to Secret Lady, Sunlight, several other contenders and in particular Jonkers in the opening 200 metres of this month’s Magic Millions Two-Year-Old Classic.
I have viewed the aerial video replay several times, and am convinced that the charge of careless riding, rather than reckless or even foul riding, was extremely lenient, as was the penalty of only one month’s suspension.
Disqualification for many months would seem to be more appropriate given McGillivray’s apparent disregard for the safety of his fellow riders and their mounts.
Atkins claims that Jonkers, all but put over the fence by McGillivray, will recover from his physical injury, but he is uncertain about the psychological effect it will have on this very promising young colt in future races.
He is now forced to send the colt for a long spell, instead of contesting the many rich events that could be targeted in Sydney this autumn.
Backing up those views, I have just completed reading the excellent book Good Losers Die Broke by veteran Sydney journalist Max Presnell (ex racing editor of the Sydney Morning Herald), in which he recounts many highlights of his long career in sports and racing journalism in Sydney and the UK.
He recalls many notorious incidents over the years, and the very severe sentences handed out by Sydney stewards over those years for similar incidents, ranging from months to years and even life.
It is this strict control by Sydney (and Melbourne) stewards that gives many punters the confidence to confine investments to those states.
Brighton (Qld)