Jockey Pat Cosgrave will resume riding in Dubai Jan. 5, having settled his differences with the Emirates Racing Authority, Racing Post reported Tuesday. Cosgrave was originally hit with a six-month improper riding ban in 2014 after riding what amounted to team tactics on the Mike de Kock-trained Anaerobio (Arg) (Catcher In The Rye {Ire}) in the G1 Jebel Hatta. He shifted his mount off the rail, allowing stablemate and favourite Vercingetorix (SAF) (Silvano {Ger}), ridden by Christophe Soumillon, up the inside for a clear victory (video). The ERA placed Cosgrave on the forfeit list, after resisting a demand for nearly £35,000 toward the costs of the appeal. His ban stretched past the initial six months, as he was unable to ride in the UAE until he paid.
“It was originally £35,000, but owing to the different exchange rates, it came to nearer £45,000,” Cosgrave told Racing Post from Dubai. “That's a lot of money, but I'm only 34, so could be riding another 16 years or so, and I want to be riding in the big races.”
Cosgrave has already secured mounts with de Kock and Saeed Bin Suroor for Thursday's Meydan card. Besides that pair, he is expected to also ride for trainer William Haggas, who is planning to field runners at the carnival. His highlight Thursday will be aboard Listed Singspiel S. runner Silent Attack (GB) (Dream Ahead) in the Godolphin blue for bin Suroor.
“William is bringing horses out and I've already got rides for Mike de Kock and Saeed [bin Suroor]. It's nice to be back and I'm really looking forward to Thursday.”
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