Damian Browne’s narrow defeat on Buakaw at Doomben on Wednesday had a costly sequel in the stewards’ room.
Stewards fined Browne $1000 for failing to ride Buakaw out to the finish of the Ambassador Travel Maiden Handicap when the gelding was beaten a head by Pintuck.
Browne, who won last Saturday’s Magic Millions Guineas aboard Saluter, pleaded guilty but said he didn’t believe his actions had caused the grey’s defeat.
“I’m guilty of the charge but I don’t think the placings would’ve been altered at all and I don’t think I’ve ever been charged under this rule before in 25 years of riding,” he said.
Acting chief steward Jamie Dart said Browne would’ve been suspended for a month if they believed his ride had cost Buakaw victory.
“We can’t be comfortably satisfied your actions have cost your mount the race,” he said.
“If we did you would be sitting on the sidelines for a month.”
