News Headline From DRF

Jockey Ryan Moore Fined $20,800 For Excessive Striking


Ryan Moore’s winning ride on Auguste Rodin in Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Turf at Santa Anita came with a hefty financial penalty.

On Sunday, Moore was fined $20,800 and suspended one day, on Nov. 12, for striking the colt seven times, once over the permitted limit.

The ruling was issued by Santa Anita stewards Grant Baker, Luis Jauregui, and Kim Sawyer.

The fine is the largest in California history and represents 10 percent of Moore’s share of the $208,000 he received for the win.

Auguste Rodin earned $2,080,000 for winning the $4 million BC Turf, the richest grass race in the nation.

Immediately after the race, winning trainer Aidan O’Brien was quick to praise Moore’s ride on Auguste Rodin.

“I keep telling him he’ll improve until he’s 45,” O’Brien said after the BC Turf on Saturday. “He’s got another five years to go.

“He’s a total professional in every way. He’s straight and genuine and honest. He has everything. I promise you he’s getting better.

“His instinct is getting sharper, he’s getting stronger.”


Moore, who turned 40 in September, was leading rider in Britain three times in the 2000s.


[Opinion]


I totally disagree with the ruling and I understand that the stewards have a guideline to follow and any striking over six times is in violation of the rule.

Seeing the race unfolded -- yes, Moore struck the horse seven times, but they were not hard enough to hurt the horse at all.

I wish the stewards use reasonable judgement on a case by case basis instead of just pulling out the rule book and apply it indiscriminately -- verbatim per verbatim.

Bottom line: It didn't do any harm to the horse.

As far as Ryan Moore's financial hit is concerned, I could careless, but what I do care about is the jockey's ability to use enough whip to win the race.

As a horseplayer I view the current rule as inadequate and it limits the jockey's ability to use the whip adequately (in my opinion).