James McDonald, the rider of The Queen’s horse Eightsome Reel, has received a two-day suspension for overusing his whip.
Her Majesty’s horse finished a very respectable 4th position in the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot on Thursday.
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Regulatory use of the whip
– The whip can be used a maximum of seven times in a flat race. If the whip is used any more than this, stewards will hold a review into the ride.
– Stewards will also look at the force with which the whip is used, whether the horse has been given time to respond, the purpose for which the whip was used, whether the horse was in contention or clearly winning at the time it was used, and whether the whip has been used in the correct place.
– Any rider found in breach of the whip regulations will face a period of suspension.
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However, following an investigation by the British Horseracing Authority Stewards, the jockey has received a short suspension from the sport for using his whip above the permitted level from approaching the final two furlongs.
Despite the jockey’s overenthusiastic use of the whip, the result of the race stands meaning Her Majesty still takes home £4,824 for finishing in fourth position.
Eightsome Reel was a 33/1 outsider entering the race with a field of 13 runners.
The winner of the race was Sangarius, trained by Sir Michael Stout, who takes home £51,039 in prize money for the winning connections.
Princess Eugenie was tasked with presenting the trophy to the connections of Sangarius who finished second to the favourite, Fox Chairman.
The Queen arrived at Ascot on Thursday in a carriage alongside the Duke of York, the Princess Royal and Sir Tim Laurence.
Other members of The Royal Family in attendance at the racecourse on Thursday included Princess Anne’s children, Peter & Zara, and their spouses, Mike & Autumn.
