Cheltenham Festival jockeys banned after 50/1 winner as assertion given
Apolon De Charnie won the JCB Triumph Hurdle on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival, but jockey Patrick Mullins has been handed a suspension by the BHA
Patrick Mullins riding Apolon De Charnie (R, red cap) in The JCB Triumph Hurdle during the Cheltenham Festival(Image: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
Two jockeys have been handed suspensions by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) following an enquiry into a race at the Cheltenham Festival. Apolon De Charnie, backed at 50/1, claimed victory in the JCB Triumph Hurdle on the final day of the festival on Friday, with Maestro Conti finishing second and Minella Study third.
Patrick Mullins, aboard the victorious horse, delivered success for trainer and father Willie Mullins. Jockey Harry Skelton came home second on Maestro Conti for his brother and trainer Dan Skelton.
Nevertheless, the BHA launched an enquiry into the race and have imposed suspensions on both Patrick Mullins and Harry Skelton for careless riding.
“An enquiry was held to consider interference approaching the final fence involving Maestro Conti (FR), placed second, ridden by Harry Skelton, and Selma De Vary (FR), placed fourth, ridden by P Townend,” the statement from the BHA read.
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“Skelton was suspended for three days for careless riding for allowing his mount to drift right-handed when insufficiently clear resulting Selma De Vary (FR) being tightened against the rail with Townend having to switch his mount.
“An enquiry was held to consider interference in the final half furlong involving the winner, Apolon De Charnie (RE), ridden by Mr P W Mullins, and Minella Study, placed third, ridden by Ryan Mania.
“Mullins was suspended for two days for careless riding for allowing his mount to move right-handed under a left-hand drive for a number of strides without correction, taking Minella Study off its intended line.”
Willie Mullins, trainer of Apolon De Charnie, shared his thoughts on the victory after watching his son triumph in the JCB Triumph Hurdle, reports the Mirror.
“I was shouting ‘go on my son’,” he told ITV Sport. “He [Patrick] got a very late prep so we were just hoping for the best.
“It was actually a very good start and he had his own way of racing it. I could see he was going well where my other ones were in a bit of trouble. Patrick managed to get his head through.”
Jockey Patrick Mullins lauded the winning horse and expressed what the victory meant to both him and his father.
“He [Apolon De Charnie] was fantastic,” Patrick Mullins told ITV Sport. “He’s not very big but he caught my eye. I got a dream run.
“I’m very proud of my father. I’ve never seen him doubt himself as much as he has this winter. He sticks to his guns and gets it right most of the time”
