Beachcomber. Andrew Fortune
Former South African champion jockey Andrew Fortune is in hot water with the Stipes in Mauritius.
This follows the running of the Major Paul Hein Cup at the 32nd meeting last Saturday. Fortune rode Count Emmanuale for Ricky Maingard, into second place,
Following Racing Stewards’ inquiries , jockey Andrew Fortune has been suspended for 2 weeks and was fined Rs 25,000 for not having ridden horse Count Emmanuale to the Stewards’ satisfaction.
As for his counterparts Cédric Ségeon (Makes Me Wonder) and Piere Corne Orffer (Ushokolethi), their explanations have been accepted.
The Stipes Reported:
Saint John Bosco and Gold Assay were fractious in the barriers, delaying the start. Gold Assay hesitated at the start. Saint John Bosco jumped awkwardly, throwing its head, then contacted the hindquarters of Smitten.
At the 1250 metres Destiny’s Tale steadied and was taken in to obtain the position on the rails behind Winged Captain.
The Photo of the finish
The Stewards questioned trainer Maingard and jockey Fortune in relation to the handling of Count Emmanuale. Trainer Maingard explained the gelding was lightly raced and after consideration of its good performance at its last start the stable was confident of a forward showing. He was of the opinion that Smitten was the hardest to beat and felt its best chance would be to endeavour to race forward of that horse. Jockey Fortune explained his mount jumped well and went forward and was able to secure the lead approaching the 1000 metres, however, at the crossing, the gelding was reluctant to maintain momentum. As such, he put pressure on his mount at the various crossings and in the home straight held on well to finish 2nd.
After viewing the films, trainer Maingard was of the opinion that Count Emmanuale had been able to lead comfortably without being pressured and the reason he raced well clear of the field is that the other riders made no effort to maintain their position. He added that jockey Fortune might have erred in asking his mount for a final effort leaving the 400 metres.
Jockey Fortune confirmed that his mount was able to lead without effort and when he asked his mount to improve from approaching the 400 metres, he was unaware of how clear of the field he was and, after viewing the films, agreed that it could appear that he had gone too early but added he did not feel that this affected the result of the race as his mount held on to finish 2nd.
After consideration, jockey Fortune was found guilty of contravening MTC Rule 160 A (i) for failing to ride Count Emmanuale to the satisfaction of the Stewards, the particulars being that from approaching the 450 metres to the home turn he put undue pressure on his mount when well clear of the field and actually used his whip passing the 400 metres. He was subsequently suspended from riding in races for two Mauritian race meetings and fined Rs.25,000.
Routine urine and blood specimens were taken for analysis from Smitten after the race.
