Canada: Manitoba’s racing regulator has concluded that no offence was committed in the controversial Assiniboia Downs race in which jockey Sheldon Chickeness appeared to stop riding his mount when holding a clear lead before losing by a neck.
However, Darren Dunn, CEO of the Manitoba Jockey Club, said he strongly disagreed with the decision and believes Chickeness should have been sanctioned for the ride of King Witt. The Manitoba Jockey Club operates the Winnipeg track.
Dunn had referred the incident to the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority (LGCA) for review when no stewards’ inquiry took place on the day, saying the ride had been “very concerning”.
After interviewing witnesses and analysing video and wagering data, the LGCA said it had determined “no rules of Thoroughbred racing were violated and therefore, no adjustments to the order of finish are required”.
Dunn said he respected the LGCA decision but “we strongly disagree with the conclusion they arrived at from this review”.
He said in a statement: "Our interpretation of the race is that the horse, King Witt, to our understanding, may have previously exhibited tendencies in how he navigates the turn for home and the early stretch drive of the racetrack that caused the jockey to believe that with a potential repeat of those tendencies, the safety of the other horses and jockeys in the race were in jeopardy and that this was reflected in his actions, exhibiting his concern.
“And, while we will always support and encourage efforts of jockey’s to be safe in the saddle for themselves, their fellow riders and the horses in the race, a distinction, in our opinion, should be made when these actions occur and then affect the possible and likely ultimate outcome of the race through an overreaction by a jockey.”
Dunn believes Chickeness ‘over-compensated’ but as he held a clear lead his actions had affected the outcome of the race and finishing order.
He added: “We believe that, while consideration and understanding could be given to his safety intent, overriding this was the need to protect the wagering public in ensuring the integrity of the race remained intact and that the over compensation by jockey Sheldon Chickeness should have been met with a determination of significant discipline against him.”
• Visit the Assiniboia Downs website
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