Jockey Alvinio Roy was disqualified today, Wednesday August 21, 2024, for his "fall" on Special Force in the 2nd race of Meeting 15, held on the 10th of August. Before going into the report, it's important to take our hats off to the Race Stewards who, in our opinion, did a very good job and asked the right questions. We, who often criticize them, feel that this is an important point to underline. Alvinio Roy, on the other hand, failed to defend himself.

The first point put forward by Alvinio Roy during the investigation to explain his fall was that his saddle had shifted. He explained that after Romanus' escapade, he had to get off Special Force because he's a reckless horse. Since he had been ordered to get back in the saddle by the Stewards, he did so even though he felt there was a problem with his saddle. The Chief Stipe, Riyaz Khan, replied that the request had come from the trainer, Praveen Nagadoo, and that they had simply passed on the message. He also added that it was his duty to say that the saddle was not correct in his opinion.

However, once on the horse, Alvinio Roy said he had told the Special Force's handler about the issue. The message was passed on to Nicolas Kéblé, the chief handler, and it was Jean-Noël Kéblé who came to check. He was categorical: everything was correct. The horse may have kicked, but the saddle was in the right place. He also added that the horse was not sweating neither. Finally, Nicolas Kéblé added that before starting the loading exercise, he asked Alvinio Roy if the saddle was correct on three occasions, and the latter answered yes. Philippe Aumaître, the starter, said that Alvinio Roy had expressed no concern about his saddle in the starting gate.

Then came the viewing of the race film from all angles. At the jockey's request, the race was viewed in its entirety. This enabled the Race Stewards to identify certain inconsistencies in the Mauritian's statements. Riyaz Khan pointed out that Alvinio Roy did not seem concerned by his saddle behind the boxes. He defended himself by saying that he could be seen talking to the handler. Then, when the boxes were opened, Ally Mohedeen, a Steward, countered by emphasizing the vigor with which the jockey accompanied his horse when the latter suspected a displaced saddle in the stalls. Alvinio Roy replied that he was simply following his trainer's instructions. These were: go out, bounce, follow at the front or in second position if Alpenhorn wanted to go ahead. If Alpenhorn reduced the pace too much, to overtake him and take the lead.

Once the saddle-slip part was over, we moved on to the part that got a lot of ink flowing: the fall. The Chief Stipe asked: "How did you fall? There was no stumble nor no sudden mouvement from the horse. The horse was as good as he could be. What really happened? Alvinio Roy explained that he was using new stirrups. This was the very first time he'd used them. He had to use them because they were light. He had borrowed them from Rye Joorawon. He explained that after passing the road, he started pushing his horse. Entering the final straight, he wanted to look for the support of the rails and by putting his body weight on the right side, but his foot, which was not completely in the stirrups, slipped. He then found himself unbalanced and fell. The Chief Stipe was quick to respond, saying that there had been no problems with the stirrups during the race.

Sanjeev Thakan, another member of the Stewards, also spoke up, telling him that there were inconsistencies with the jockey's explanation. Notably his weight - where he said he hadn't eaten for two days to lose weight and that he wasn't 100% fit, but had nevertheless accepted three rides - his irons, which he was using for the first time in competition, and the misplaced saddle, an excuse that didn't hold water because it was denied. Riyaz Khan didn't mince his words, saying - as the video played in slow motion - that it looked more like a jump than a fall. It was too perfect to be a fall.

After listening to the jockey's explanations, the Racing Stewards charged him under section 80.1.19 of the Rules of Racings and found him guilty, although Alvinio Roy pleaded non-guilty. The stewards accused him of lying about the saddle-slip, since the testimony of the handlers and trainer was to the contrary. The fact that a piece of equipment was incorrect is entirely his own responsibility, as he should have tried it first in training. And finally, with regard to the fall, he made no effort to stay in the saddle. As a result, he was disqualified for 5 years. Although he is appealing, he will not be able to get back in the saddle for either training or racing. He can't be present at training either. It is highly likely that the case will be transferred to the police.

Section 80.1.19 of the Rules of Racing reads: "Without in any way derogating from the provisions of the Rules, no Person shall commit, incite or conspire with anybody to commit any corrupt, fraudulent, dishonest or prohibited practice in relation to the racing, breeding, buying and/or selling of Horses in any country."

Sent to SAHorseracing.COM by Turf News