Amateur jockey Charlie Marshall has received a 12-day suspension from the British Horseracing Authority after forcing his exhausted mount Go On Chez over the final fence during Friday’s Hunter Chase at Fakenham Racecourse.
Stewards determined that Marshall had persisted with his ride despite the 10-year-old horse appearing completely spent.
The incident occurred in the Pointing Pointers Queen’s Cup ‘Grassroots’ Open Hunters’ Chase.
Following an inquiry that included interviews with both the rider and a veterinary officer, officials concluded that Marshall “had continued in the race when the horse appeared to have no more to give after barely being able to negotiate the final fence”.
The three-mile contest descended into chaos before the final fence.
Only Go On Chez remained on his feet from the four-runner field.
Second favourite Bowtogreatness was pulled up during the race, while Coolagh Park fell at an earlier stage.
The 5-4 favourite Janika, ridden by Charlotte Butler, was bumped and unseated its rider at the second last fence.
Amateur jockey Charlie Marshall has received a 12-day suspension from the British Horseracing Authority
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RACINGTV
Marshall’s mount was left as the sole competitor still standing, with no rivals left to challenge him.
Victory was assured simply by completing the course.
As Go On Chez approached the final obstacle, the horse’s pace dropped dramatically, slowing almost to walking speed and appearing to attempt pulling himself up.
Race commentator Tim Peters captured the moment: “Go On Chez has virtually pulled himself up.
“Charlie Marshall’s got to try and get him over this final fence. Go On Chez, can he get over it? Goodness me, he’s over, somehow!”
Amateur jockey Charlie Marshall forced his exhausted mount Go On Chez over the final fence
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RACINGTV
The forceful nature drew sharp criticism.
Despite the horse’s obvious exhaustion, Marshall urged him to jump.
The 10-year-old came down in the middle of the fence, barely managing to drag his hind legs clear before landing on the other side and continuing to the finish line at a slow canter.
Racing TV presenter Nick Lightfoot, who was reporting from the Norfolk track, condemned what he witnessed.
The incident occurred in the Pointing Pointers Queen’s Cup ‘Grassroots’ Open Hunters’ Chase at
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GETTY
He said: “It was an extremely unpleasant look.
With a strong crowd, including those watching from afar, it is the kind of sight you do not want to see in racing.”
Lightfoot noted that stewards had applied the maximum penalty available for such an offence and expressed support for the disciplinary action.
He added: “I’m glad that the BHA are taking as strong a stance within the parameters of the law on it.”
The suspension dates will be communicated to Marshall by the BHA’s head office.
