Jockey John Allen has been hit with a significant blow as stewards have handed him a hefty 30-meeting suspension following an inquiry into a fall involving Linda Meech at Flemington on June 17.
The incident took place during the Sir Henry Bolte Handicap (2000m) at the iconic racecourse, when Allen, riding Aint She Grand, made an ill-timed shift inwards at the 100m mark, failing to provide sufficient clearance for Bitcoin, Meech’s mount.
As a result, Bitcoin collided with Aint She Grand’s heels, leading to a consequential fall.
The stewards’ report stated, “It was established that Aint She Grand shifted in when being ridden along when not clear of Bitcoin, which struck that gelding’s heels and fell.”
Following the inquiry, John Allen pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR131(a), acknowledging his error in permitting his mount to shift inwards without adequate clearance, resulting in the fall.
Consequently, Allen’s license to ride in races will be suspended for a duration beginning at midnight on July 5 and concluding at midnight on August 5, totaling 30 race meetings.
In determining the penalty, stewards took into account Allen’s admission of guilt, his previous track record, and the gravity of the carelessness exhibited, which resulted in the unfortunate fall.
