Crosse apologises for Wetherby error

David Crosse has offered a full and frank apology to connections of Lost In Normandy after his costly mistake at Wetherby yesterday.

Crosse was hit with a 28-day ban after dropping his hands and losing first place on the 15-2 chance in the Jamaica Handicap Chase, which was won by Sound Of Cheers.

The 23-year-old rider, who was caught in the last few strides of the race, will now be sidelined between January 25 and February 21.

Crosse acknowledged he was in the wrong and hopes Lost In Normandy’s trainer Lisa Williamson will give him another chance to prove his worth by riding the nine-year-old again.

“I went into the stewards’ room straight after the race and put my hands up and admitted I had made a mistake,” Crosse, who was successful earlier on the card aboard Nadover, said.

“I thought I was clear and apologised to the owners straight after the race.

“I’ve now got 28 days without earning a bean to reflect on what I’ve done.

“I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to Lisa Williamson and assure her something like this will never happen again.”

Havng had time to let the dust settle, Williamson has not ruled out giving Crosse the chance to partner her gelding in the future.

“I’ve spoken to the owner this morning and it’s a very difficult situation,” said the Chester-based handler.

“I feel sorry for him and I know what he must be going through.

“The owners (Please Hold UK) were gutted at the time, but one of them rang me this morning and said ‘We can’t fall out with David Crosse, he’s not done it on purpose and he won’t do it again’.

“I agree he’s that not done it on purpose and it has been discussed that he will ride the horse again.

“What was going through his mind I don’t know but I’m not a person to hold grudges; life’s too short.”

Lost In Normandy is entered for a race at Newcastle on Wednesday, but Williamson revealed connections are likely to sidestep that engagement.

And although she is sympathetic with Crosse, the trainer has called on the Jockey Club to enforce strict measures ensuring jockeys do not get caught dropping their hands in the future.

“The Jockey Club should take half of their riding fee off them and reimburse the difference in prize money to the owner and trainer,” she said.

“I really do think that will stop all this. I’ve lost my 10 per cent for all the work I’ve done and the owners have been done out of nearly £3,000.

“You put all this work in and you don’t get anything back in return.

“He’s not the only one hurting, we all are.”