Throughbred News ReportsVictorian jockey
Ben Smith on Tuesday received a two-month reduction to his penalty for hitting apprentice
Nick Mehmet, with the Victorian Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board (RADB) issuing a message to all jockeys about their behaviour.
RADB chairman Russell Lewis described as "correct" the six-month suspension imposed by Racing Victoria Ltd stewards when Smith hit Mehmet in the doorway to the jockeys' room at Hanging Rock on January 1.
Mehmet sustained a broken nose and three chipped teeth, which required dental surgery after being hit with a portion of Smith's arm.
Lewis said the board took into consideration Smith's personal situation, as contained in an undisclosed psychological report, as well as the hardship he would suffer if the original penalty stood.
He said a more appropriate penalty would be a four-month suspension with the additional two months suspended for the next two years.
Lewis commented about Victorian jockeys in general for their recent behaviour, which has seen three separate incidents appear before stewards, and another go unprosecuted because of lack of evidence.
Lewis said the "aggressive behaviour" of jockeys after races had led to unacceptable violent acts.
He warned that any future cases would incur "significant penalties" from the RADB.
Lewis said it was particularly disturbing when jockey's were not forthcoming after witnessing a serious assault.
If jockeys persisted in not co-operating in stewards' inquiries then they should be charged under Rule 175, which deals with dishonest, fraudulent, improper and dishonourable actions or practices, he said.
Additional reporting industy sources
