Fairway's Turf Online

Jackson Low suspended two months

IPOH: Jan 6, 2013

Jackson Low, champion jockey in 2011, was today handed a two-month suspension for his ride on ESPERANZA in a Class 4 - 1700m handicap in Penang on Dec 23.

ESPERANZA (State City - Famous Friend by Marooned), trained by Leong Poh Keong, was beaten half a length when second to EARLY GREY.

The Stewards concluded an inquiry today into the ride of Low in the above race. Low was found guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(10) for failing to ride ESPERANZA to the satisfaction of the Stewards, in that after establishing a run near the 300m to the inside of EARL GREY, he unnecessarily checked his mount out of that run near the 250m, which resulted in ESPERANZA losing ground and momentum and in the opinion of the Stewards, the material effect of this incident was greater than the beaten margin between ESPERANZA, placed second and the official winner EARL GREY.

When deciding on the penalty, Stewards took into consideration his good riding record, forthright evidence and mitigating factors. Low’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of two months. Acting under the provisions of MRA Rule 48(5), Stewards deferred the commencement of Low’s suspension to take effect from Jan 14 and Mar 13, both dates inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal.