Jockey Ameth Robles was slapped with the maximum $20,000 fine by the Stewards on Tuesday for his indifferent ride aboard the two-year-old colt ROJO in the third race at Caymanas Park on Saturday, October 10.

After finishing a close third with ROJO, on a tight rein in the race in question Robles was summoned by the stewards to explain his riding.

The hearing, which began on Tuesday, October 20, 2009, and was concluded on October 27, included submissions by Robles, Gary Subratie, the trainer of ROJO and Dr Sophia Ramial, commission veterinarian.

During the investigation, Robles explained that ROJO coughed leaving the 800-metre point while continuing to feel unsteady, resulting in him not riding out his mount as he felt it might collapse.

While returning after the race, Robles unbuckled the 'girth strap' then proceeded to the Parade Ring where he informed trained Subratie about what had happened.

The Gleaner has learnt that he told the trainer the horse had bled badly in the race, hence his tender handling.

Evidence

Subratie explained that he immediately sent ROJO for an endoscopic examination by Dr Ramial, who reported that there was evidence of blood in the trachea, consistent with EIPH associated with racing.

The stewards accepted that ROJO bled during the race, which may have caused Robles to ride in the manner he did. They, however, ruled that Robles could have stopped riding, brought his horse to a stop and dismounted. They further ruled that having completed the race, he should have:

(a) Dismounted immediately and remove the saddle;

(b) Reported the matter to the commission's vet in the Parade Ring; and;

(c) Immediately reported to the stewards.

As a result, he was fined $20,000, payable in 30 days.

- O. C.