The premature celebration with Sinsel proved extremely costly for jockey Leandro Henrique
- Turf Diario
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The Gávea stewards handed him a suspension of nearly two months for inappropriate conduct; Borja Fayos, Oisin Murphy, and Gary Carroll are among other jockeys facing issues around the globe...
It is quite remarkable that in just over a week, several jockeys around the world have made headlines after receiving severe sanctions, each for different reasons. While minor penalties are common—understandably so, given the risks and responsibilities of the profession, which continue to increase—these recent incidents stand out.
In Spain, for instance, Borja Fayos, one of the country’s leading riders, was banned for four months after failing to appear for a mandatory drug test without justification during Thursday’s meeting at Hipódromo La Zarzuela in Madrid.
In England, there was a double blow. Firstly, champion jockey Oisin Murphy was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and with failing to cooperate with a preliminary roadside test after a traffic accident in April.
The incident occurred on April 11, and according to Thames Valley Police, the 28-year-old Irishman is set to appear in court on July 15 at the Oxford Magistrates’ Court. The formal charges include “driving while above the alcohol limit” and “failing to provide a specimen for a preliminary breath test,” both related to the collision.
Secondly, Gary Carroll, who was among the stars at the recent Royal Ascot meeting, was handed a 15-day suspension after exceeding the permitted whip limit by two strikes when partnering Cercene (Australia) to victory in the Coronation Stakes (G1).
Closer to home, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the most significant sanction in South America was handed down by the Hipódromo da Gávea stewards, who suspended Leandro Henrique from July 1 to August 29 for his premature celebration aboard Sinsel (Alpha) in Sunday’s Grande Premio Brasil (G1). The nation’s premier race, which offers a berth into the Breeders’ Cup Turf, nearly slipped away as Valparaiso (Ay Caramba) surged along the rail, only to fall just short.
The decision was based on Article 122 of the National Racing Regulations, which states: “Regardless of the category or designation of the race, horses must be ridden competitively and with maximum effort up to the finish line. Any premature celebration that causes the rider to ease up is prohibited, as is any action that risks the safety of horse or rider.”
Henrique was also fined R$2,000 for inappropriate conduct, along with an additional R$120 penalty as a repeat offender for drifting in during the final 200 meters—an incident that prompted an objection in the Grande Premio Brasil.
