Laban 10-day ban affirmed

A ten-day ban slapped on apprentice rider Gary Laban has been affirmed by the Trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority (TTRA). Laban drew the ban for what was described as “reckless riding” astride Carefree in the fourth race on Day 11 of the ARC season. And according to TTRA secretary David Loregnard, he will begin serving his ban after the Arima Race Club “Friday Lime.” The TTRA heard an appeal by the young apprentice on Tuesday, and after considering the grounds for appeal, Laban’s evidence including a video tape of a previous race of Carefree and that of the stewards and later viewing a video replay of the race under review from several angles, the TTRA board found “there was no merit in the grounds of appeal.”

Loregnard said the board pointed out to Laban “the result of his actions could have led to serious or fatal injury to both horse and rider.” The TTRA also reviewed the policy and procedure regarding pre-race examination of horses in accordance with Rule 101 of the Rules of Racing out of concern for the welfare of horses and jockeys following two spills on Day 11 which resulted in seven horses falling, and one, Badpayjamesee being destroyed. They interviewed the racing veterinarian Dr Rahamut Ali jr and his assistant Dr Dane Coombs as well as the official veterinarian Dr Leonard Butcher and found that the procedure and poilcy seemed quite acceptable.

But the Board felt there was room for tightening up and indicated this to the veterinarians. The board emphasised the welfare and safety of both horses and jockeys should be of paramount importance in certifying horses declared fit and sound for racing and asked the veterinarians to continue to apply the highest level of professional ethics in their job. According to Loregnard, the board further recommended there be “a more detailed form of reporting to be carried out after the pre-race veterinary examinations.”