KonaNative said...

Soumillon deserves to be banned for at least a year

Did you guys see the update on this?   I do suspect this will put a dent into soumillon's ridership in France at least?   

"A statement issued on social media by the Aga Khan Studs read: “Following last Friday’s incident at Saint-Cloud, which resulted in the fall of Rossa Ryan, the Aga Khan Studs have taken the decision to cease their retainer with Christophe Soumillon with immediate effect.

“From this week onwards, Soumillon may still ride in the Aga Khan silks on occasion at the discretion of the French trainers and the Aga Khan Studs team.

“At this stage, there is no intention to retain a jockey in France for the foreseeable future."



 

Pursuant to this soumillion incident, we see that in some cases, there ARE teeth to the dirty riding incidents.  This one where the rider has now lost a major stable opportunity in France and I have to wonder if other trainers will follow suit and this will affect Somillion's earning ability?  


Now we get to dirty riding in general.  I saw that HISA seems to imply stiff penalties for over-whipping.   I think that is good.  Because I think we all know that some owners will tell a jockey  "just do whatever you have to in order to win the race......we will gladly pay the (paltry) fines associated with your behavior."

This is the outcome of fines not being high enough to truly sting, and/or suspensions that have no serious deleterious outcome on riders or owners. 

As those who fund the game, I would think bettors would be more outspoken about all these things....but I'm perplexed because .... they aren't.   All I keep getting is apologists, for Baffert, for whoever, for riders and stuff that really curls my toes, stuff that indicates too many do not really even seem to care about horses.    

In which case, I will definitely vamoose from horse racing if it keeps up.  I'm not going to take bashing from any human who doesn't put the horse first.     I revile them, more and more, actually. 

Yes. I saw that he was fired and I'm glad he was

It's about time and I couldn't be happier 

KonaNative said...

It's about time and I couldn't be happier 

Well in case anyone misses him he'll be right here, in the good ol' USA, with his tack, riding in the Coolmore Turf Mile for O'brien, aboard Order of Australia.   On October 8, Sat. 

( Euros used to send their bleeders here to race, but since this is a stakes and no lasix, they will send their beaters/bad boys/brawlers instead. )   heh heh

Looks like the French police are involved in this now and the suspension could be increased .

Got a phone call about an hour or so ago from a friend saying the same thing.  If the rider who got knocked off his horse hadn't been so fortunate to be basically injury-free, then I have no doubt there would be an arrest.

Now, I think it's a scare tactic and the suspension will be extended to ??  Six months?  A year?

I think the French racing authorities want to send a message to all riders, as well.

I haven't been paying any attention lately except for  The Queen Elizabeth II at Hanshin.  Zero interest left in US racing.  Always good to hear from you, though, my friend.

Could you imagine if the police got involved in US racing?I think the sport would be finished.I think the French police will make an example of Soumillon.I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets 6 months to a year.Like you said,sends a message that this kind of behavior won’t be tolerated.

I haven’t been paying too much attention since the Breeders Cup but I did a few exacta wagers in the KD futures.Looking forward to the English national hunt season kicking into gear.Stay safe Steve.

Best to you and yours, man.

My interest will probably get revived to some extent when the New Year turns over and we start to look at the KD and the rest of the TC.  Even if I try to stay out of it, I don't seem to be able to.  LOL

Meanwhile, yes, the English Hunt Season I look at as the races roll by.

Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, The UK - I still keep an eye on.  Been involved as a horse lover and handicapper since the late '60s so I suppose it's pretty well ingrained. 

Wish I could have watched the big race but twin wasn't covering it that I could find.