Jockey Phillip Parchment has been slapped with a 25-day suspension and $10,000 fine by the stewards for his failure to ride the debutante, QUEEN NERISSA, on its merit in the sixth race at Caymanas Park on Saturday, March 14.

On Tuesday, Parchment was summoned by the stewards at the Winchester Road offices of the Jamaica Racing Commission to answer charges, this after QUEEN NERISSA, a 14-1 shot, had finished 1 1/2 lengths third to THAT GIRL in a 1100-metre race contested by 13 starters.

Outpaced into the straight

Slowly into stride and outpaced into the straight, QUEEN NERISSA closed rapidly on the inside for third.

After viewing the patrol film of the race and hearing submissions from Parchment and trainer Patrick Fong, the stewards imposed the suspension and fine on the jockey. His suspension takes effect on Saturday, April 4, but Parchment has served notice of appeal. He turned up at the commission yesterday to file the appeal and this will be heard by the full commission shortly.

Significantly, QUEEN NERISSA came back to contest the second race over 1500 metres yesterday and was installed an even-money favourite with Parchment again in the saddle. Despite the support, QUEEN NERISSA whipped around on leaving the starting gate and dislodged Parchment at the start.

The 26-year-old jockey described QUEEN NERISSA as a problem horse, recalling that she attempted to bolt twice in her first race, first at the half mile and again at the quarter bend.

Parchment claimed that he rode the filly tentatively up the lane, as there was no telling what she would do in the circumstances.

- O.C.