Beadman Experiences Sweet and Sour Time in Hong Kong - 06-10-08

June 10 - For well-known 7-time Australian champion jockey, Darren Beadman, his recent trip to Hong Kong to ride at Sha Tin turned out to be both sweet and sour, after he won his first two races but received a suspension for 'careless riding' in the third.

In this, Beadman's first Hong Kong outing this season, everything started off well for the former Sydney-based champion jockey, as he rode Sou Ma Tam (trained by Casper Fownes) to a convincing victory in the opening event at Sha Tin racecourse.

The talented jockey followed this up with an equally noteworthy win on Whiplash, the reigning premier handler, setting the scene for an exceptional triple victory. However, it was not to be as the Long Ke Handicap (Class 3) proved to be his downfall.

After the Long Ke Handicap, that saw Beadman finishing second on Ankh Morpork (trained by David Hall), race stewards accused the jockey of causing 'sever interference' at the 300 metre mark on race favorite, Rocket Force, who, once he had regained his stride, lost at least 3 lengths to Ankh Morpork.

Stewards upheld an objection lodged by Rocket Force jockey, Zac Purton, relegating Ankh Morpork from second to fourth place. This put the final standings at Triumphant Diamond in first place, The Goodies in second, Rocket Force in third and Ankh Morpork in fourth.

However, Beadman's woes were just beginning as the jockey found himself facing a serious charge of 'careless riding'. And despite pleading not guilty to the charge, the Aussie was suspended for two days and fined a heavy HK$40,000.

Said Beadman following his suspension, 'I feel there was 'significant horse error' during the race, starting off when Ankh Morpork shifted about half a horse more than he should have, coupled by Rocket Force's reaction, who I believe overreacted to the situation given his racing inexperience.'