Hefty Ban For McDonald

Having left such a lasting impression when riding in Britain earlier this year jockey James McDonald now faces the prospect of eighteen months on the sidelines having been found guilty of placing a A$1,000 bet on Astern (Aus) (Medaglia'd'Oro) when the Godolphin colt made a winning debut under the jockey at Randwick just over a year ago. McDonald was handed out the ban by Racing NSW Stewards on Thursday after evidence revealed that McDonald profited to the tune of A$4,000 from the bet that had been placed by Anthony Gardiner. McDonald had landed the coveted role as first jockey to Godolphin in Australia back in March 2015 but his employers not surprisingly have ended their current arrangement with the 24-year-old New Zealand born rider. In a statement over the ban Sheikh Mohammed and his team outlined their position by saying, “Godolphin agrees that there must be zero tolerance of any breaches of the prohibition on betting by a jockey. Godolphin has advised James McDonald that, as he is disqualified, he will be released from his current contract with immediate effect. This decision has been accepted by James. We will continue to support him throughout his suspension. His long term future with Godolphin will be reviewed in due course by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed.”
Speaking to Racing.com McDonald himself commented on his current situation and his plans to seek leniency over the verdict. “I made an error of judgement betting on Astern when I rode it and broke a rule of racing. I accept full responsibility for that. But I am extremely disappointed with the penalty and I will be appealing. I will be back riding, and hopefully sooner than later. It is not appropriate that I say anything else until the appeal is over.”