Punters speak of 'pure and total madness' as Ryan Moore receives record fine
PUNTERS have criticized the decision to reject Ryan Moore's appeal against a record £16,500 fine as 'pure and utter madness'.
The world's best flat jockey has also been given a one-day ban for his exploits aboard Auguste Rodin in the Breeders' Cup Turf.
Moore delivered a nail-biting masterclass on the inside rail last November to scoop the £1.7million winner's prize.
But eagle-eyed stewards noticed he hit the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt seven times – once over the limit.
They acted quickly, initially handing out the fine and ban in the aftermath of the Santa Anita race.
Moore appealed, but this was rejected by the stewards last weekend – who decided once and for all to impose the huge fine, which would be a record in the state of California.
The financial blow took some of the shine off Auguste Rodin's incredible victory.
And punters were quick to lash out at the stewards for what they deemed an excessive punishment.
One wrote in surprise at the size of the fine: 'Pure and utter madness.'
Another said: “Best ride of the Breeders' Cup by all accounts, but he got a fine. What a joke!”
One comment read: “This sport is so stupid. One of the best rides you will ever see and he got fined £16,000 for it.”
Another viewer wrote: “That ride was amazing. These rules need to be re-evaluated.”
While a fifth said: “I'd love to donate towards his fine. That ride with Auguste was brilliant. Well worth it.”
The fine actually represented about 1 percent of the winners' cash amount.
A powerhouse and billionaire partnership of John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Georg von Opel all jointly own Auguste Rodin – who will remain in training at the age of four and possibly target the Breeders' Cup Classic.
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