A bizarre turn of events at Trentham on Saturday saw three jockeys suspended after taking the wrong course in a 4000m steeplechase maiden.
Michael Roustoby (Smug), Dean Parker (Catch And Release), and Joshua Parker (Fabulous Nancy) all mistakenly veered right instead of left through a complex section of the jumps course, resulting in significant ramifications.
Stewards quickly launched an inquiry after the race, deeming the trio had breached the rules by deviating from the correct route. All three runners, including Smug who was first past the post, were disqualified.
As a result, Hey Hey Hey, Zeefa Zed, and Muse were the only official finishers, with Hey Hey Hey ($18.10) awarded the race following the disqualifications.
The Racing Integrity Board handed each jockey a three-week suspension, citing ‘incompetent riding’ as the reason for the penalties.
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