James McDonald

Jun 14, 2012
2,857
2,604
AFL Club
Essendon
Other Teams
Beautide The Tassie Terminator
So it looks like JMac has joined the famous club of jockeys who have been caught having a punt.

Champion jockey James McDonald has allegedly put his million-dollar job with Godolphin on the line for the sake of $1000 bet, which would have netted him less than $5000.
McDonald stood himself down on Tuesday after stewards charged him with having an interest in a bet on star colt Astern at its debut on December 5 last year.
Godolphin put out a statement on Wednesday saying it would support McDonald until he fronts the inquiry, where he is faced with a mandatory two-year ban if found guilty, although that could be reduced if he co-operates with the investigation.
Fairfax Media understands stewards had their interest sparked by McDonald's celebratory punching into the air as he hit the line but until Tuesday they had no evidence to suggest why he might have been so excited.
Astern had been well supported before his debut but came in from $4.60 to start a $3.50 favourite. He went on to win with some style
A punter is alleged to have placed the bet for McDonald. It is believed McDonald was warned about his alleged connection with the punter, who is friends with a number of jockeys, and that he cut ties with him a couple of months ago.
Stewards continue to build their case in the investigation and McDonald's phone was forensically examined on Wednesday. Chief steward Marc Van Gestel said stewards were still interviewing persons of interest and the investigation would be complete in the next week.
It will be at least a couple of weeks before McDonald is asked to front stewards but he has the support of Godolphin.


http://www.smh.com.au/sport/horsera...nald-a-milliondollar-job-20161116-gsqy5q.html
 
So dumb.

To be honest betting on a horse you are riding doesnt bother me in the slightest, but rules are rules so why he would risk it for a thousand dollar bet is dumbfounding

Especially when you have the best riding gig in Australia. Jockeys do appear to be some of the thickets planks on the planet though to be fair.
 
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