Another Suspension For Pateman
- Monday, 30 August 2010 07:10
Leading jumps jockey Steven Pateman received his second suspension within eight days from TRSA stewards after an inquiry into his handling of Regal Heir concluded today.
Pateman was suspended for a month last Monday for failing a breathe test at Murray Bridge on June 14. That case is subject to appeal.
Today, South Australian stewards found Pateman guilty of incompetent riding aboard Regal Heir in the Tapestry Wines Hurdle (3200m) at Morphettville on July 24.
Stewards said that after negotiating a hurdle at the 800 metre mark, Pateman “persevered in attempting to improve inside the heels of Hula Dane when, for some distance, there was insufficient room” which “invited the reasonable prospect of Regal Heir’s momentum being impeded.
They also suggested Pateman’s tactics lacked initiative.
“He (Pateman) did not attempt an option to position Regal Heir outside the heels of Hula Dane when that position was available for a considerable distance and such attempt carried the potential to fulfil his instructions.”
With Pateman eager to ride in New Zealand late next month and the United Kingdom in early 2011, stewards suspended Pateman for the first four race meetings at which jumping events are to be scheduled in either South Australia or Victoria during 2011.
It’s unknown at this stage whether Pateman intends to lodge an appeal against this latest sanction.
Picture: Jenny Barnes
