Global Weekly Review: Whyte case a reminder that local rules are paramount
J A McGrath
5 December, 2016
Racing at an international level is demanding, exciting and rewarding. But those participating know that local rules always prevail, no matter where the races are run.
Douglas Whyte, the 13-times Hong Kong champion, knows that better than most. For that reason alone, it is interesting that he has pleaded not guilty to a charge of failing to ride out his mount when he suffered a nose defeat aboard Scales Of Justice in Saturday's G1 Kingston Town Classic at Ascot in Perth (WA).
It appeared Whyte stopped riding in the closing stages, believing he had either reached the winning line or that he had enough in hand to score. That he would lose by the narrowest of margins has made this a much-debated case in Australian racing circles this week.
The Darren Weir-trained Stratum Star managed to get up on the line to snatch victory from Scales Of Justice, who had previously won the G1 Railway Stakes by a comfortable margin and was looking to record his fourth win on the trot.
Whyte has since returned to Hong Kong, where he will prepare for the International Jockeys Challenge at Happy Valley on Wednesday and the important Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Perth stewards have said they are looking for a suitable date when they can conclude the case, which obviously depends on Whyte's availability. Australian racegoers are intolerant of jockeys not riding out to obtain the best possible placing, so the views of the stewards will be closely scrutinised and debated extensively afterwards.
South African-born Whyte has ridden widely at an international level, and he is well versed in the ways and expectations of Australians. His defence argument in this case will be fascinating.
Another international jockey making his presence felt in Australia over the weekend was Godolphin's James Doyle, who landed a double at Rosehill on Saturday.
One of the racing ambitions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed in setting up Godolphin was that it became a truly international stable, with the major players, human and equine, almost globally interchangeable.
Doyle was parachuted into Sydney to cover for James McDonald and has been an instant success and is fulfilling the ambitions of his employer.
With the continued support of trainer John O'Shea, Doyle can continue to do well in his new environment. He has the intelligence and ability to capitalise on this unexpected opportunity.
