Jockey to appeal hefty suspension

Jockey Bridget Grylls will seek a review of a four-week suspension after stewards found her handling of a runner at the Gold Coast unacceptable.

Grylls rode Alastriona to fifth in a 1400m-race on August 12.

Chairman of stewards Ian Brown said the panel was concerned about Grylls’ handling of Alastriona approaching and rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the home straight.

Grylls was charged at a resumed hearing with not taking all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure her mount was given full opportunity to win or to obtain the best possible place.

Stewards alleged Grylls failed to ride Alastriona with any purpose or vigour between the 500m and 400m or to improve into a run in the straight.

Grylls pleaded not guilty and said she was instructed to settle Alastriona towards the rear of the field and to try to follow another horse into the race before producing the mare for a sprint over the final 300m.

She added that on straightening she was reluctant to improve into a run because of possible looming interference.

But stewards found Grylls guilty and suspended her from Wednesday until September 27.

Grylls said she would seek an internal review of the decision at a Queensland Racing Integrity Commission hearing.

“I have got Matt Tutt (a lawyer who specialises in racing cases) to represent me,” Grylls said.

She has been riding in good form and scored on Gatlinburg at the Gold Coast on Saturday.