Country NSW jockey Jamie Quinnell has been disqualified for 18 months for using an illegal whip on a horse in trackwork at Port Macquarie.
Racing NSW stewards acted on a report from trackwork supervisor Greg Wyndham that on January 7 Quinnell had an unapproved Bakos whip in his possession which had been modified by a length of copper electrical wire fixed to the flap.
Quinnell pleaded guilty to the charge, receiving a 25 per cent discount on the mandatory two-year sentence.
Stewards withdrew the horse, the Marc Quinn-trained Far Out, from his scheduled race the same day.
Stewards told Quinn that while there was insufficient evidence presented at Monday’s inquiry to establish a breach of the rules by the trainer, they reserved their position should further evidence come to light.
Quinnell was also penalised on three other charges relating to animal cruelty with those bans to be served concurrently with his 18-month disqualification.
Quinnell will be able to re-apply for a riding licence on August 6, 2018.
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Racing NSW media release:
Racing NSW Stewards have conducted an inquiry into a report received from Port Macquarie Race Club Trackwork Supervisor, Mr Greg Wyndham on Saturday, 7 January 2017 that licensed jockey Mr Jamie Quinnell had in his possession and used an unapproved Bakos whip which was modified by fixing a length of copper electrical wire secured to the flap of the whip, when he rode the racehorse Far Out in a training gallop on the said morning.