Trainer and jockey suspended over jigger photo

Trainer Todd Austin and jockey Ric McMahon have been suspended with immediate effect by Queensland Racing Integrity Commission stewards following the launch of an investigation into a device carried by McMahon on an Austin trained horse in trackwork in the lead-up to the two-day Birdsville Racing Carnival which will take place on Friday and Saturday.

McMahon’s holding of the device came to light following a publication of a photograph taken at trackwork.

Concerns that McMahon was allegedly holding a ‘jigger’ were widely reported on various platforms throughout yesterday … a very damaging allegation, not only to those directly involved, but also to the industry at large … which necessitated prompt action by stewards who handed down the two suspensions before the day was out.

QRIC commissioner Shane Gillard stated, “QRIC has immediately suspended the licence of two Queensland thoroughbred participants. A Stewards inquiry remains ongoing.”

“If a licence is suspended, a participant cannot partake in any activity relevant to the licence category they hold.”

That rules both Austin and McMahon out of the Birdsville action.

Austin was about to attempt to land his fourth Birdsville Cup victory but those hopes, along with the trainer’s bonus that was on offer, only to Austin as the trainer of the previous Birdsville Cup winner earlier this year, have been scuppered.

Whether Austin’s scheduled runners remain on Friday and Saturday’s card remains to be seen as the Rules do allow for horses to be transferred to another trainer but, in this case, that is likely to be at the discretion of the stewards.

The race fields, in general, are very small as it is.

As things stood prior to the suspensions being imposed, Austin had four runners engaged on Friday and two runners due to race on Saturday (both in the Cup). McMahon had been booked for five rides over the two days (including a Cup ride for Austin).