Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have reached a verdict in the high-profile inquiry into the dramatic incident during the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on 4 March 2023, which saw the falls of Maximillius (ridden by Ethan Brown) and Holymanz (ridden by Mark Zahra) and the severe imbalance of Amenable (ridden by Damien Oliver). The outcome of the investigation resulted in suspensions for jockeys Mark Zahra and Blake Shinn.
Mark Zahra, aboard Holymanz, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR131(a) and was hit with a 36-race meeting suspension. Zahra’s admitted lapse in judgement led to Holymanz being severely tightened for room and ultimately contributed to the disastrous falls of both Maximillius and Holymanz, impacting the race outcome.
Meanwhile, Blake Shinn, riding Elliptical, was found guilty of careless riding under AR131(a) and was handed a 10-race meeting suspension. Although Shinn’s actions played a role in the incident, the Stewards determined that his contribution to the interference was significantly less severe than Zahra’s.
Both riders have the right to appeal their suspensions.