Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have today issued a charge against licensed jockey Zac Spain following an inquiry into his ride on Island Empress in Race 3, the Butchers on George Fillies and Mares Maiden Plate (1214 metres), at Moe on Thursday, 19 November 2020.
Mr Spain has been issued with one charge under AR 129(2) which states that a rider must take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure the rider’s horse is given full opportunity to win or to obtain the best possible place in the field.
The Stewards’ allege that from approximately the 500 metres, Mr Spain failed to maintain a position trailing the eventual winner To The Barricades when it was reasonable and permissible to do so, and instead shifted Island Empress back to the inside fence near the 400 metres where there was not clear running.
The Stewards’ also allege, from approximately the 250 metres, Mr Spain failed to shift Island Empress out in an attempt to obtain clear running when it was reasonable and permissible to do so, and as such Island Empress was held up for the entirety of the home straight.
The charge will be heard by the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a date to be fixed.