39 Jocks from Grand Nat stage mutiny after inquiry
Apr 5, 2014 22:42:06 GMT -5
Post by Evelyn on Apr 5, 2014 22:42:06 GMT -5
Atleat they know how to stick together, unlike here!
Jockeys stage mutiny after start inquiry
BY LEE MOTTERSHEAD
Racing Post
THE most extraordinary scenes linked to Saturday's Crabbie's Grand National took place not on the racecourse but behind closed doors as 39 of the 40 riders staged a mass revolt by collectively refusing to leave the weighing room to hear the outcome of a stewards' inquiry into farcical scenes at the start.
All riders with the exception of Brendan Powell, whose mount Battle Group planted himself at the start, now face being punished by the BHA after not a single jockey obeyed the stewards' instructions to hear the result of their deliberations.
A BHA spokesman said only one rider or a representative of the weighing room was required to be present for the reading of the inquiry's findings but none were willing to co-operate.
The case will now be heard at the BHA's London headquarters where a panel will not only make public the suspensions dished out to the 39 jockeys for their actions at the start but additionally decide how to deal with their act of rebellion.
The inquiry had been called to determine why all but one of the riders attempted to form a line before the Grand National's official 4.15 start time had been reached. Minutes later an official false start was recorded after the tape was broken.
The racecourse inquiry had attempted to investigate whether the riders had lined up before being invited to do so and subsequently disobeyed the starter's instructions, additionally putting the safety of one of the starting staff at risk.
PJA chief executive Paul Struthers said: "The jockeys were very unhappy with the conduct of the inquiry and they therefore refused to go back in.
"It was a decision the jockeys collectively took. It only required one jockey to go back in for the inquiry to be concluded but as a collective not one of them was willing to go back in. I also declined the invitation to go in.
"It is obviously a shame but I'm not sure it would be fair for people to put this solely at the jockeys' door."
BHA spokesman Robin Mounsey said: "While we regret that the jockeys refused to return to the stewards' room to allow the enquiry to be concluded, the referring of the matter to the Disciplinary Panel will mean a re-hearing and hopefully an opportunity to take this matter forward in a more constructive manner.
“Not all the jockeys will be required to attend. They will be able to nominate representatives to attend the hearing.
“It is undoubtedly a challenge to hold such an enquiry with such a number of riders in the aftermath of the Grand National.”
Jockeys stage mutiny after start inquiry
BY LEE MOTTERSHEAD
Racing Post
THE most extraordinary scenes linked to Saturday's Crabbie's Grand National took place not on the racecourse but behind closed doors as 39 of the 40 riders staged a mass revolt by collectively refusing to leave the weighing room to hear the outcome of a stewards' inquiry into farcical scenes at the start.
All riders with the exception of Brendan Powell, whose mount Battle Group planted himself at the start, now face being punished by the BHA after not a single jockey obeyed the stewards' instructions to hear the result of their deliberations.
A BHA spokesman said only one rider or a representative of the weighing room was required to be present for the reading of the inquiry's findings but none were willing to co-operate.
The case will now be heard at the BHA's London headquarters where a panel will not only make public the suspensions dished out to the 39 jockeys for their actions at the start but additionally decide how to deal with their act of rebellion.
The inquiry had been called to determine why all but one of the riders attempted to form a line before the Grand National's official 4.15 start time had been reached. Minutes later an official false start was recorded after the tape was broken.
The racecourse inquiry had attempted to investigate whether the riders had lined up before being invited to do so and subsequently disobeyed the starter's instructions, additionally putting the safety of one of the starting staff at risk.
PJA chief executive Paul Struthers said: "The jockeys were very unhappy with the conduct of the inquiry and they therefore refused to go back in.
"It was a decision the jockeys collectively took. It only required one jockey to go back in for the inquiry to be concluded but as a collective not one of them was willing to go back in. I also declined the invitation to go in.
"It is obviously a shame but I'm not sure it would be fair for people to put this solely at the jockeys' door."
BHA spokesman Robin Mounsey said: "While we regret that the jockeys refused to return to the stewards' room to allow the enquiry to be concluded, the referring of the matter to the Disciplinary Panel will mean a re-hearing and hopefully an opportunity to take this matter forward in a more constructive manner.
“Not all the jockeys will be required to attend. They will be able to nominate representatives to attend the hearing.
“It is undoubtedly a challenge to hold such an enquiry with such a number of riders in the aftermath of the Grand National.”