Jockey Cosgrave Suspended Six Months

Emirates Racing Authority stewards suspended jockey Patrick Cosgrave March 18 for six months after determining he maneuvered his front-running mount Anaerobio to intentionally create a racing lane for winning stablemate Vercingetorix in the Jebel Hatta (UAE-I) March 8 at Meydan.

The decision followed an inquiry that concluded Tuesday with the second of two hearings. The stewards on Tuesday talked with Cosgrave, Vercingetorix's rider Christophe Soumillon (by phone), and Mike de Kock, trainer of both horses. 

Cosgrave was found guilty to a charge of improper riding. Stewards determined that when riding Anaerobio in the Jebel Hatta, passing the 600-meter mark until approaching 400 meters, he looked back to his inside on at least three occasions. At the turn into the home straight, they found Cosgrave intentionally allowed his mount to shift out approximately three lanes, thereby allowing Vercingetorix a clear inside run.

Vercingetorix won the Jebel Hatta while Anaerobio placed third.

The London Daily Telegraph reports Cosgrave is likely to appeal the suspension. Set to run from March 17 through Sept. 17, he would miss the majority of the flat racing season in England if it holds.

The stewards found no evidence to implicate either Soumillon or de Kock and no action was taken against them. The stewards did not announce any action against either horse, leaving the results and purse money distribution in place.

In considering the long penalty the stewards cited the following factors:

• The seriousness of the charge

• The blatant breach of Rule 69 in relation to improper riding

• The detrimental image to racing as a result of this matter

• The Jebel Hatta was a group I race with prize money of $300,000

• Jockey Cosgrave's personal circumstances

Pat Cummings at Dubai Race Night questions the stewards' decision.