James McDonald has been disqualified for 18 months
James McDonald has been disqualified from riding for 18 months after pleading guilty to having an interest in a bet placed on Astern last December.
Racing NSW had declared that McDonald had collected $4,000 from the bet that was placed on his behalf.
McDonald, a leading jockey for the Godolphin team, fronted Racing NSW Stewards on Thursday where his lawyer Matthew Stirling argued he should be given a two to three month ban and fined.
McDonald won $4000 from a bet placed on Astern by punter Anthony Gardiner after the horse won at Randwick on December 5 last year.
McDonald will be able to appeal the ban that currently makes him unable to race until at least May 15, 2018.
Have your say: Do you think James McDonald should appeal the ban? Comment below!
Jockey James McDonald has been disqualified for 18 months after being found guilty of having an interest in a bet placed on Astern last Dec.
— Andrew Bensley (@AndrewBensley) December 22, 2016
McDonal’s Response:
I made a mistake betting and broke the rules.
I accept responsibility for that.
But I am so disappointed with the penalty and will appeal.— James McDonald (@mcacajamez) December 22, 2016
