Winston rues Confide defeat
Robert Winston said he would “take it on the chin” after being handed a 28-day ban for dropping his hands at Carlisle.
The suspension, which puts a serious dent in Winston’s jockeys’ championship hopes, was imposed after the stewards found Winston guilty of ‘losing a race he should have won’ aboard Confide in the Border Construction Handicap.
Alan Swinbank’s runner was clear inside the final furlong and looked to have the race in safe-keeping before apprentice Liam Jones brought 25-1 outsider Royal Indulgence from last to first to score by a neck.
Winston, who will be sidelined from June 30 to July 27 inclusive, had looked round several times during the final furlong as well as checking his position on the big television screen on the inside of the course.
Although he did not stop riding, his momentum from the saddle appeared to ease and an inquiry was quickly called.
He said: “I think 28 days is harsh but I will just have to take it on the chin.
“I eased down but the horse was getting tired too in the last 20 yards and it might have been the same result if I had gone for my whip, though really I think I should have won.
“The big screen on the inside of the course is intimidating. You are not concentrating on the job, you are looking at it and they want to take it down.
“When I heard the commentator saying I was three lengths in front I didn’t want to win any further and I didn’t want to be hard on him as he’s going to run tomorrow and on Friday.
“At the end of the day it is not ideal track to do something like that.
“When you slow down, it is hard to get going again. I will just have to put it behind me and it won’t affect me.”
Ann Duffield and Royston French were in top form, teaming up to complete a 25-1 double with My Valerina in the Carlisle LVA Novice Auction Stakes and Decree Nisi in the Happy Retirement Ron Barry Handicap.
My Valerina (11-8 joint favourite) was making a quick reappearance after finishing second at York three days ago and the decision paid off as the daughter of Danehill Dancer ran out a convincing three-length winner from Riotous.
Duffield said: “When I got up this morning I felt sick about running her again so soon.
“It wasn’t the plan but the race was re-opened when only two horses were declared so we had to put her in.
“She had run a blinder at York (runner-up behind Gimcrack hope Wi Dud) and though she was a witch to break in, she is as hard as nails and has been taking her racing well.”
Decree Nisi (10-1) was making it fourth time lucky as he got the better of Musicmaestroplease by one and a quarter lengths.
Karl Burke was also in double form with Inaminute (3-1) kicking off a 19-1 brace under Andrew Elliott in the Carrier Transicold Fillies’ Handicap.
Burke said: “We claimed her for £6,000 (€8,780) and she has won five for us now. She was bred by Ray Bailey who now has a share in her again.”
Bahamian Duke (4-1), a winner over course and distance two weeks ago, ran on gamely for Francis Norton in the Heads Nook Handicap to beat Northern Chorus by a head.
Burke added: “He doesn’t half trap the stalls which is a big help and he loves a battle. He may not be a super star but he should go on.”
