A Queensland jockey has found himself in the firing line of stewards, receiving a four-month ban for failing to give his mount the chance to obtain the best finishing position.
Stanley Watkin was issued a four-month ban for his handling of Hacksaw Ridge at Emerald on April 11.
Hacksaw Ridge, who jumped at a price of $6, finished sixth in the 1200m Class 6 that was won by his Todd Austin-trained stablemate Turkey Beach.
Stewards weren't satisfied with Watkin’s riding between the 800m and 300m. Hacksaw Ridge was last, which wasn't expected to be where the horse sat, and charged him under the rule that dictates that a jockey must take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure a horse is given the best opportunity to win or obtain the best possible finishing position.
Watkin was also questioned about vigour entering the home straight, which stewards deemed to be insufficient.
The 61-year-old pleaded not guilty, but was found guilty of the charge.
His suspension ends on September 14.
