Leading hoop Jye McNeil has copped an 18-meeting suspension. This penalty is a result of his ride on Valiant King in the Melbourne Cup. He received the suspension after pleading guilty to a separate charge of careless riding. This followed a tragic accident that claimed the lives of two other horses in the race. McNeil, 31, started serving his suspension on November 7. He will be eligible to return to the track on November 24, pending approval from his probation officer.
The shocking event took place around the 2600 meter point of the Melbourne Cup. McNeil’s mount, Valiant King, bothered Presage Nocturne and subsequently Vauban. McNeil toasted to former successes, including his 2020 Melbourne Cup Triumph aboard Twilight Payment. Sadly this year’s race was a bust as Valiant King came in 16th place. The horse faced challenges throughout the race, being caught wide and unable to secure a favorable position.
In his defense, McNeil said that he was unable to provide Valiant King with the optimal opportunity to succeed. He noted, “I wasn’t able to give him every chance today, he had to do it too tough three-wide facing the breeze.” He further explained that he did have protection from a different horse at first, but got left out to dry when that other horse advanced.
McNeil’s suspension is composed of two separate penalties: one for ten meetings and another for eight meetings. Furthermore, this cumulative suspension will mean him missing out on several pivotal racing opportunities. Due to the way this rule is written, he can still run on Oaks Day before his ban officially starts.
The aftermath of the Melbourne Cup has sparked debate on the behaviour of jockeys, and the ethics of potential dangerous horseplay at such high-stakes events. For this reason, racing authorities are taking a critical look at cases of reckless riding. McNeil’s case shows the precarious line jockeys have to walk between strategic racing decisions and safety.
