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Jockey Cosgrave handed six-month ban

Pat Cosgrave was seen looking around for his stablemate during the race © PA Photos

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Jockey Pat Cosgrave has been banned for six months for improper riding.

The 31-year-old was deemed to have moved his horse Anaerobio to one side in the Group One Jebel Hatta at Meydan in Dubai on March 8 to enable Vercingetorix an open run to take the victory.

Cosgrave was seen to be looking around when running in third before moving wide to allow Mike De Kock-trained stablemate Vercingetorix to claim the win.

The Emirates Racing Authority issued a statement which read: "Jockey Patrick Cosgrave was found guilty to a charge of improper riding pursuant to ERA 69 (i).

"The particulars of the charge being that when riding Anaerobio, passing the 600 metres until approaching the 400 metres Cosgrave looked back to his inside on at least three occasions and at the turn into the home straight he intentionally allowed his mount to shift out approximately three horses, thereby allowing stablemate Vercingetorix a clear inside run.

"In considering penalty the stewards were cognizant of the following: the seriousness of the charge; the blatant breach of Rule 69 (i) in relation to improper riding; the detrimental image to racing as a result of this matter the Jebel Hatta was a Group One race with prize-money of $300,000; Cosgrave's personal circumstances.

"There was no evidence to implicate either Soumillon or De Kock in relation to Cosgrave's charge and therefore no action was taken against those persons."

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) have revealed the ban will apply in Britain under their rules.

"We are aware of the reports regarding the suspension imposed upon Pat Cosgrave. Should the ERA request that BHA reciprocate any suspension then we would do so, as is required under our rules."

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