Dubai: Pat Cosgrave, who has ridden 10 winners in the UAE this season, was slapped with a six-month ban by the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) stewards following a lengthy inquiry.
The incident in question happened during the Group 1 Jebel Hatta at Super Saturday on March 8 at Meydan where it appeared that the Northern Ireland-born jockey was found to have breached Rule 69 (1) in relation to improper riding aboard the Mike de Kock-trained Anaerobio.
Evidence was heard from Cosgrave, jockey Christophe Soumillion (via telephone link-up from France) and De Kock at a second hearing.
The stewards inquired into Cosgrave’s actions during the race where he was seen looking back on at least three occasions before intentionally allowing his mount to shift out, allowing stablemate Vercingetorix (Soumillon) a clear run on the rail. Vercingetorix won the race and Anaerobio finished third.
Having viewed and considered the evidence, the stewards found Cosgrave guilty and suspended him until September 17, 2004.
No action was taken against Soumillon or De Kock in relation to Cosgrave’s charge.
