Spencer fined €5,000 for misconduct after clash with Soumillon
According to the stewards’ report on the official Hong Kong Jockey Club website, Spencer was said to have “grabbed Soumillon in the vicinity of the neck”.
Both jockeys are riding high on the international scene. Irish-born Spencer starts next season as retained jockey to the Aidan O’Brien stable at Ballydoyle while Soumillon has had a tremendous season in France winning the Prix du Jockey Club and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Dalakhani for the Aga Khan.
The incident happened in the jockeys’ room following the first race on Sunday’s international meeting card that featured the Hong Kong Cup won by Falbrav.
The stewards took into account “some provocation” from Soumillon towards Spencer “by way of a verbal comment at the barrier”.
The 23-year-old Spencer pleaded guilty to the charge and the matter was quickly resolved with the two jockeys shaking hands.
Soumillon was advised “that whilst the stewards are aware verbal exchanges often occur between riders, on this occasion it was felt his comments were inappropriate”.
The Belgian-born jockey was given a warning regarding his conduct. He was later banned for four Hong Kong race days (until January 2) for careless riding on Polish Summer in the Hong Kong Vase.
Meanwhile, Boylesports are the new sponsors of the Irish 1000 and 2000 Guineas, until at least 2006.
The deal with the Irish bookmakers will mean the meeting at the Curragh on May 22 and 23 will now be known as the Boylesports Irish Guineas Festival, and will include seven support races over the two days.
John Boyle, owner and managing director of the firm, said: “We look forward to working in partnership with the Curragh over the next three years to develop and promote the Boylesports Guineas Festival and copper-fasten its position as one of the must-see festivals of the season.”
Michael Osborne, chairman of the Curragh Committee, added: “We look forward to working closely with Boylesports to ensure the festival continues to be one of the most sought-after events in the international racing calendar.”
Boylesports are also offering any rider who can win both Classics €10,000, to be donated to the Injured Jockeys’ Fund. The firm will also donate a minimum of €5,000 to the fund to mark their sponsorship.
