Following a whip overuse offence on Fireball in the Inglis Millennium, James McDonald faces time out from the Silver Slipper program via suspension and fine.

The elite jockey exceeded regulations by whipping nine times prior to the 100m under Australian Rules of Racing—four over the cap—and reached 20 in all.

Racing NSW chief steward Tom Moxon announced the 10-day riding prohibition and $20,000 levy at Randwick Saturday, factoring in McDonald’s clean slate lately for that rule while stressing the breach’s occurrence in a $2 million feature.

He shared his upset with stewards regarding the penalty’s intensity, terming it “harsh”.

Prior to his suspension starting—ending February 25—McDonald will have rides next Saturday at Randwick, such as emerging star Autumn Glow in the Apollo Stakes (1400m).

McDonald is set to bypass the Silver Slipper (1100m), an essential Golden Slipper (1200m) trial, plus the Hobartville Stakes and Millie Fox Stakes (1200m). The racing betting markets offer plenty for Silver Slipper punters.

The post James McDonald suspended at Randwick first appeared on Just Horse Racing.