Apprentice Patrick Keane has been suspended for a month by Racing Queensland stewards after weighing in light aboard Gold Rating at Eagle Farm last Saturday.
The former Victorian apprentice was charged under Australian Rule 143 (b) which states that if any horse carries less weight than it should, the rider or any person deemed to be at fault may be punished.
Keane will commence his suspension on Sunday night following the cushion track meeting at Caloundra.
The junior rider is indentured to Gold Coast trainer Kelly Doughty who was unable to attend Thursday’s reconvened inquiry at Racing Queensland’s offices at Deagon due to commitments in Melbourne.
Her husband, former jockey Gary Doughty, represented Keane at the inquiry.
The Michael Nolan-trained Gold Rating was disqualified as the winner of the Sky Racing Handicap after Keane weighed in light and the race was awarded to well-supported favourite Mr Light Blue.
Keane weighed out at 55.60kg but when he returned after the race he weighed 54.76kg.
Stewards were subsequently forced to disqualify Gold Rating under Australian Rule 143 (a).
Under the rules, riders are allowed a half kilo discretion.
Keane blamed the extreme humidity and a tough ride for his weight loss during the initial inquiry into the race.
AAP TURF
