In a sequel to the dramatic finish to the Gordon’s Gin Listed Jet Master Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, jockey Joshwin Solomons will serve a three month suspension after failing to ride the pacemaker Quasiforsure out to the end of the feature.
The 21 year old Solomons, a son of established local jockey Morne Winnaar, was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.3 in that he failed to ride Peter Muscutt’s Quasiforsure out to the end of the race, thereby costing his mount first place.
Moment of madness! Josh Solomons has Quasiforsure in control down the inside, but… (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
He signed an Admission of Guilt and has been suspended from riding in races for a period of 90 days. The dates of his suspension will be 8 March 2023 to 5 June 2023, inclusive.
When assessing the penalty the Stewards reportedly considered the degree of negligence, the status of the race, the prejudice to the owners regarding the difference in stake money between the winner and the second placing and the negative effect to the reputation of the sport of horseracing.
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Furthermore, they gave consideration to the mitigatory points, namely the manner in which Solomons conducted himself during the line of questioning surrounding this matter, his plea of guilty to the charge, and the remorse that he showed following this incident.
The reaction from the industry was very sympathetic to Solomons in the aftermath, with some questioning the potential absence of guidance and mentorship for young jockeys.
In a chat with the Sporting Post on Thursday morning, Solomons said he appreciated the support from so many and apologised to those stakeholders who had been prejudiced by his error.
Josh Solomons – a race he won’t forget (Pic – Chase Liebenberg0
“I know a made a terrible mistake and I am sorry. I understand why I need to be punished. I have learnt a lesson but have also seen how many kind and supportive people there are in racing,” he added.
Solomons said that he would be staying in the Cape and would be riding work to maintain his fitness while serving out his suspension.
The Manenberg-born rider, who is sponsored by Chase Liebenberg Photography, joined the SA Jockey Academy in 2018 and rode his first winner for recently retired trainer Dennis Drier on Dune Dance at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 6 November 2019.
He was crowned Cape Apprentice Jockey Of The Year in 2022.
He has ridden 81 career winners to date.
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