Maskiell Premiership Bid Fades

Monday, 21 June 2010 06:16

The chance of apprentice Jason Maskiell claiming the 2009/10 Melbourne Jockeys’ Premiership appears all but over after the rider was suspended for careless riding at Bendigo on Sunday.

Maskiell rode Little Louis in the $15,000 Eliza Park SV 3YO Fillies Maiden Plate (1400m) only to cause interference shortly after the start.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding, that he permitted Little Louis to shift in on an acute angle when not sufficiently clear of Lea Babe causing interference to Divine Fantasy (Steven Arnold) and Safvanna Queen (Casey Bruce).

As a consequence of the interference, Divine Fantasy clipped the heels of Lea Babe and almost dislodged Arnold.

Maskiell was suspended by stewards for 12 meetings, with his ban to commence immediately. Maskiell will be free to ride at Moonee Valley on July 3.

Maskiell currently sits in second position on the Melbourne Jockeys’ Premiership table, ten wins adrift from Luke Nolen.

Meanwhile, Arnold was suspended later in the afternoon also for careless riding.

Arnold caused interference aboard Lord Of Arms in the $20,000 Slickpix Silver Bowl Series Heat 4 (1600m) as he permitted his mount to shift in whilst being ridden along, tightening the ground of Belgietto.

Arnold pleaded guilty to the charge and will be able to return from suspension a day earlier then Maskiell.

Picture: Colin Bull