Jockey Arneaud appeals 5-day ban

JOCKEY Jody Arneaud has lodged an appeal against a five-day ban slapped on  him by Arima Race Club stewards.

Arneaud drew the suspension for what was described as “careless riding of a major nature”  aboard Beautiful Mind in the Angostura 1919 Rum Handicap, fourth race on the Royal Oak Derby Day, Republic Day, Wednesday last at Santa Rosa Park, Arima. The Glenn Mendez-trained three-year-old was first past the post in the 1200 metres sprint ahead of Naturelly Classy but was relegated  to second after an objection. Arneaud whose suspension was to begin on October 4,  paid a $500 fee to lodge his appeal with the Trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority yesterday. Among Arneaud’s grounds of appeal was that he never intimidated any rider in the race, but was instead intimidated by jockeys Rajpaul Rajkumar aboard Affirm Decision and Sheldon Rodrigo on Naturelly Classy at the start of the event, which could be clearly seen on the video replay.

Arneaud claimed his mount was always clear of Naturelly Classy and was at the head of affairs when he made his bid. He said no objection was made with the Clerk of the Scale, and the only inquiry he knew of was when the stewards summoned most of the jockeys riding in the race regarding an incident leaving the start. Arneaud is adamant he kept a straight course from the top of the straight “and maintained my lane two position to the finish line.” He said he recalled passing both Naturelly Classy and Francesca approaching the 400-metre pole,  and “at no time did my horse interfere with either horse.” Arneaud claimed there was sufficient room on the rails for Naturelly Classy to pass but he never responded. He is contending the suspension was harsh, “and I strongly believe from the words of the stewards that I was not judged on my actions in nthe race but of my past sentence.”

Arneaud  who recently served a three-day ban for careless riding said: “In the circumstances, my grtounds of appeal give a clear indication of my innocence anbd look forward to an early hearing.” Meanwhile, trainer Glenn Mendez said he reviewed the running of the race and believes stewards have erred. And the man who became the first trainer to saddle two triple crown winners, Carnival Messiah (2001) and Top Of The Class this year, expressed his intentions to protest the stewards’ decision to relegate his horse, and hopes to reclaim the winner’s purse.