Reg received a £3,000 fine from the Huntingdon stewards on Thursday over the running and riding of Second Brook, who finished eighth at when a 100/1 shot first time out over hurdles in the 110 yesterday.
Very harsh in my view, when one considers that the flat boys get away with far worse first time out. Sometimes even on odds on favorites from very well respected yards are very tenderly handled before improving 30lb on the next run when nobody wants to back it.
One rule for one and one rule for some others in racing.
It’s difficult to be too dogmatic from the replay as the horse isn’t in the picture for much of the time but it doesn’t look as though the horse was ever put in the race or asked for an effort at any point. He’s allowed to become detached from the rest of the field despite pulling early on and when every other jockey has their horse under strong driving, his jockey is still sitting motionless.
I’d be inclined to say ‘well spotted’ to the stewards.