Why former jockey Katie Mallyon laments not having the best jockeys riding the best horses on the biggest days
We need rules for safety but to have four of our best jockeys watching Stakes Day on television feels a step too far, says Herald Sun columnist Katie Mallyon.
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Do we ask too much of our jockeys?
It is a question worth asking when four of the best riders in Australia will end up watching the final day of the Melbourne Cup carnival on television.
Kerrin McEvoy, James McDonald, Damian Lane and Mark Zahra have a combined 165 Group 1 wins, including three Melbourne Cups, two Caulfield Cups and a Cox Plate.
But none will be on-course at Flemington on Saturday due to suspensions (overuse of the whip and careless riding) from separate rides on Cup Day and Derby Day.
I get it.
The eyes of the racing world — and some others — are on the carnival and not always with the best intentions in mind.
We need rules for all participants, especially when it comes to the safety of jockeys and our horses.
Should jockeys foot the bill all the time though?
Take Kerrin’s ride on Melbourne Cup favourite Tiger Moth last Tuesday.
The three-time Melbourne Cup winner, used the whip 13 times (eight more than the limit) before the last 100m trying to get Tiger Moth to chase down the winner Twilight Payment.
Tiger Moth closed the gap to finish second from the unlucky Prince Of Arran but it cost McEvoy $50,000 and a 13-meeting suspension.
He would’ve received $55,000 prizemoney for the Cup placing but instead banked $5000.
Did anyone at home cheering for Tiger Moth see the extra strikes? Be honest.
Imagine the reaction if McEvoy cuddled Tiger Moth in the straight and finished midfield.
To be honest, I was in awe of man of the moment, Jye McNeil, who said after winning the Cup at his first attempt he was mindful of the whip rules turning for home.
Would I be as composed in the same situation? I’m not sure.
Damian and James (my partner) were allowed to ride Cup Day after careless riding bans (low and mid-range respectively) from Derby Day but missed the Oaks and Stakes days.
Mark caused interference in a Group 3 on Cup Day and will sit out Stakes Day after fulfilling his accepted rides on Oaks Day.
Nobody sets out to do the wrong thing and by no means should we turn a blind eye, but trying to have the best jockeys on the best horses on the best days is important also.
The rule changed a couple of years ago where suspended jockeys could fulfil accepted rides up to nine days in advance, including The Championships in Sydney.
The only exception to the rule is the Melbourne Cup Carnival (three days).
Thirty seven races in four days takes a heavy toll on participants as it is, without the need to change jockey bookings, something that is often done well in advance.
Mackinnon Stakes favourite Arcadia Queen is a perfect example.
With regular jockey Willie Pike going back to Perth to quarantine before the Group 1 Railway Stakes on November 21 the ride was offered to Damian, who like James, has had experience on the champion mare.
Damian’s suspension (and failed appeal) forced a change of plans, which is not ideal going into a feature.
If there is a silver lining it is 10-time Group 1 jockey Luke Currie getting the ride on Arcadia Queen, and nobody deserves a bit of luck more than him after sitting out six months with serious injuries.
I do think Arcadia Queen can get the job done, she is drawn nicely and will appreciate her favoured dry conditions on the big track at Flemington.
She walloped Russian Camelot two starts back and ran well in the Cox Plate.
Luke is riding in great form as well, winning his fourth Group 1 on Hey Doc (second Manikato) last month.
KATIE’S TIPS
1. Arcadia Queen
2. Mugatoo
3. Melody Belle
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