CHAMPION JOCKEY Trevor Simpson will be out of action for five race days as of tomorrow resulting from two separate suspensions imposed by the Stewards for careless riding at Caymanas Park recently.
In the first instance, Simpson was slapped with a three-day ban for careless riding aboard PRINCESS ALEXANDRA in the eighth race on Saturday, July 26 when causing interference to QUEEN HILL approaching the half mile. PRINCESS ALEXANDRA passed the post second but was disqualified and placed third and QUEEN HILL promoted to second.
In the second instance, Simpson who rode ONE ONE NINE in the 11th race for the TOBA Trophy on August 2 was suspended for two days for causing interference to the eventual winner, BANJUHAR and COMMANDMENT at the 700 metre point.
In the case of PRINCESS ALEXANDRA, the Jamaica Racing Commission on August 7 heard an appeal by trainer Tony Kirlew against the decision of the Stewards of the meeting to disqualify the horse for interference to QUEEN HILL and not to disqualify the winner NAVIGATOR for interference which NAVIGATOR caused to QUEEN HILL.
The appellant while conceding that there were interference submitted that the interferences were not sufficient to warrant a disqualification. He further submitted that the horse NAVIGATOR should have been disqualified for taking the ground of QUEEN HILL leaving the 1100 metre marker.
The Commissioners viewed the patrol film of the race and heard evidence from jockeys Oneil Mullings, Andrew Thomas and Trevor Simpson, riders of NAVIGATOR, QUEEN HILL and PRINCESS ALEXANDRA respectively.
STEWARDS DECISION CONFIRMED
After considering the evidence and hearing submissions from the appellant and the Chairman of the Stewards' panel Haidene Johanson, the Commission dismissed the appeal and confirmed the decision of the Stewards.
Although banned for five race days, Simpson could be out for even longer, arising from his August 6 disqualification aboard ROYAL RUN in the Prime Minister's Stakes over 2000 metres. ROYAL RUN passed the post first, but was disqualified for causing interference to the runner-up HERECOMESFUDGIE a furlong out and their positions reversed.
Simpson was summoned to the offices of the Jamaica Racing Commission on Tuesday for the hearing, but this was not completed. It has been adjourned until next Tuesday when Simpson will know his fate.
