‘Weren’t there to win’: Stewards investigating post-race comments
By James Lamb
A Trackside NZ post-race interview has caught the attention of Riccarton Park stewards, who are looking into comments made by winning jockey Jasmine Fawcett.
The incident occurred following Mr Fortrus’ victory in the Polytrack Championship (1200m) at Riccarton Park Synthetic last Wednesday, August 5.
Speaking with Trackside NZ’s Brittany Graham, Fawcett let slip that the John Blackadder-trained gelding was just ticking the legs over at Oamuru the start prior on July 19.
“We weren’t there to win that race, today was the target,” Fawcett said.
“He was just there (at Oamuru) for a fitness run, and so I could get to know the horse for today’s race.”
The victory, the fourth of Mr Fortrus’ 19-start career, came on the back of strong market support – firming from $9 into $5.50 on opening, before jumping at $4.40.
The other significant firmer in the race, Elusive Impact ($4.30), failed to run on after being ridden back on the fence.
Stewards have interviewed both Fawcett and Blackadder regarding the post-race comments, with the matter adjourned for further consideration, including scrutiny of betting records.
Mr Fortrus’ Oamuru performance – sixth of nine, beaten 7.1 lengths – was his only start on turf this preparation following a win and a second on the Riccarton Synthetic.
The seven-year-old was steady in betting at around $8 and was afforded every chance by Fawcett, travelling just behind the leaders.
“He’s a horse that likes to feel like he’s in control, so he probably suits me quite nicely because I’m more a passive-aggressive rider,” Fawcett told Graham when asked what she learnt from the Oamuru experience, her third ride on the horse.
“That run at Oamuru, for us to get to know each other, gave us a huge benefit leading into today’s run,” she said.
“I think the key to the race was being where I was, outside the leader.”
