A JOCKEY’S ‘disgusting’ debut ride landed him a ten-day ban after punters were left appalled by his antics.
Iqbal Khan was riding for the first time in a mile handicap at Killarney in Ireland on Wednesday night.
Khan in the red cap and red and green silks was travelling well heading for home
But he resorted to whipping the horse excessively on the run-in
The horse finished second but the jockey, making his debut, was banned for ten days
Khan, a 7lb apprentice, looked to be in a good position aboard Lucky Queen in the closing stages and did stay on for second place at odds of 18-1.
But it was what he did on the run-in that sparked a social media meltdown and led to his ban.
Footage showed Khan using his whip excessively on the four-year-old filly, who was making her 15th career start.
He appeared to use the whip 13 times inside the final two furlongs – well above the permitted limit of nine.
The stewards’ report read: “The Raceday Stewards interviewed I. Khan, rider of Lucky Queen, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race.
“Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. I. Khan accepted he was in breach and apologised for his actions.
“Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that I. Khan was in breach of R.10.3(g) (frequency) and R.10.3(i)(time to respond) and considering his record in this regard they suspended him for ten racedays.”
One punter who uploaded a video of the incident wrote: “I’m sorry to single out a jockey on their first ride but this is disgusting from Iqbal Khan.
“In what way is that acceptable, 13 whips inside two furlongs?
“All whilst not even pushing the horse. Unacceptable and deserves a long ban.
“Racing needs to eradicate this.”
Another said: “That is really, really bad. Someone needs a serious word.”
While another comment read: “That ride is a disgrace.”
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