The Stewards of the Mysore Race Club suspended jockey Imran Chisty till the end of the Mysore Season (March 6) and further recommended to the Stewards of the Bangalore Turf Club to suspend his license for another six months for not permitting Space Girl to run on merits on the Derby Day on October 22. Trainer Robert Foley has been
fined Rs 10,000.
It may be recalled that the Stewards had ordered an enquiry into the running and riding of Space Girl. Since the Mysore season had concluded and the winter season started only two weeks ago, the matter was pending before the Stewards as the enquiry had been postponed twice. The Stewards of the Mysore Race Club met on Wednesday and decided to take severe action on Chisty for not letting the horse to run to potential.
It has to be seen whether the Stewards of the Bangalore Turf Club would act on the recommendation of the Mysore Stewards in enhancing the punishment. Last week, the BTC Stewards granted relief to a number of professionals who
had incurred the wrath of the Mysore Stewards. There has been growing disenchantment with Mysore racing as several professionals had got away with their acts of omissions. Now that the Stewards have acted decisively to stem the rot, it should send a strong message to the erring professionals.
