Venezuelan jockeys banned for whip passing

Venezuelan jockeys Larry Munoz and Wilmer Galviz have been suspended by the Trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority for a whip passing incident during a race. Both riders were fined $100 each by the Arima Race Club Stewards for the incident during the running of Race 9/Day 21 on July 12. They were aboard Lady Rossie and Affirm Decision respectively and will begin their suspension after tomorrow’s ”Friday Lime” card. A release from the TTRA stated that due consideration was given to the evidence of both jockeys, including the admission of their action. And having viewed the replay of the incident in their presence, the Board agreed that it was improper riding by both jockeys. Munoz, who passed  his whip to Galviz approximately 500 metres to the finish in the event on July 12,  was found to be in breach of Rule 51 (2) of the Rules of racing and was suspended from race riding for the next two scheduled racedays, while Galviz will sit out one day. Their bans become effective August 23. At Tuesday’s meeting the TTRA also heard an appeal by Rajpaul Rajkumar against a $250 fine imposed on him by the stewards for irresponsible action aboard Hatrick, which was withdrawn out of Race 7/Day 19.
 
The TTRA also sat on an application for use of Lasix by Lion Country, a Barbadian entrant in the Sagicor Independence Cup, and renewal of jockey’s licence of Andrew Gray. After hearing evidence of Rajkumar, as well as that of Winston Govia, stewards of the ARC, Anthony Serville, trainer of Hatrick and Lennox Conliffe, starter, the Authority was of the view that there was merit in the ground of Rajkumar’s appeal. Accordingly, the appeal was upheld, Rakumar’s fine was revoked and the $500 deposit lodged for his appeal refunded. In the matter pertaining the use of Lasix with Lion Country in the event on September 1, despite Barbados not having a bleeder medication programme, the TTRA suspended Rule 100 (f) (6) of the Rules of Racing. The matter was discussed at length, and several situations from other recognised jurisdications compared, giving the all-clear for the use of Lasix subject to the animal being confirmed a bleeder on the bleeder certificate form, by a government veterinerian in Barbados. In the case of Andrew Gray, the Board granted his renewal, after he duly complied to a criteria geared towards peak fitness. Gray won two editions of the Easter Guineas aboard Royal Colours and Barbarosa, both of which were were trained by the legendary Eric “Colt’ Durant, now deceased.