Nick Hall’s desperation in trying to win the Caulfield Cup aboard runner-up Green Moon has cost him $5000 for a whip infringement.
As well as the hefty fine, Hall’s day was soured by a suspension from another race which will keep him out of next week’s Cox Plate.
Racing Victoria stewards fined Hall for excessive use of the whip in that he struck Green Moon 12 times before the 100 metres which is seven times more than permitted.
He was suspended for careless riding aboard Florets who ran third in the Yellowglen Plate (1400m) with stewards regarding the interference in the low range when they handed down the eight meeting ban.
Hall was scheduled to ride one of owner Lloyd Williams’ three Cox Plate runners – Linton, Midas Touch or Efficient.
Hall had previously been fined twice for whip infringements, $1000 on Zipping when he won the 2010 Australian Cup and $3000 on the same horse when he won the 2010 Turnbull Stakes.
Last year, Chris Munce was fined $3000 for a whip offence on Caulfield Cup winner Descarado.
Gun New Zealand apprentice James McDonald will also miss the Cox Plate meeting at Moonee Valley after being suspended for careless riding.
Stewards found McDonald caused interference to Zabeelionaire and Isopach aboard his mount, runner-up Sangster, in the Group Three Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m).
He pleaded guilty to the charge and was outed for 14 meetings.
He is free to resume riding on Derby Day at Flemington on October 29.
Meanwhile Green Moon has firmed from $26 to $9 for the $6 million Melbourne Cup after his Caulfield Cup performance.
Last year’s winner Americain is the $8 favourite.
December Draw is out to $26 after his abject failure in the Caulfield Cup and is listed as doubtful by TAB Sportsbet.
Caulfield Cup winner Southern Speed is not entered for the Melbourne Cup but is still in the Cox Plate for which she is a $26 chance.
However, trainer Leon Macdonald is leaning to running the four-year-old mare in the $1 million Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Derby Day.
AAP TURF
