ELLIS
THE OPERATION Stewards of the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) have imposed a five-day suspension and $10,000 fine on jockey Shane Ellis for indifferent riding aboard the favourite MARINERO in the fourth race at Caymanas Park on Saturday, February 11.
MARINERO, coming from well off the pace, failed by three-quarter length to catch the 32-1 outsider FLYING FIRETAIL in a straight five race for maidens.
After viewing the patrol film of the race, the Stewards penalised Ellis for his failure to achieve the best possible placing for his mount.
After summoning Ellis to the Winchester Road offices of the JRC last Tuesday, the Stewards delayed their decision until they had spoken to Anthony 'Baba' Nunes, the trainer of MARINERO, on Thursday.
Nunes told the stewards that MARINERO had to be covered up for a late run to be seen to best advantage, so he left it up to the jockey to conjure a late kick from the four-year-old gelding. But Ellis overdid the waiting tactics and this apparently cost him the race.
The jockey's suspension takes effect this Saturday, February 25.
