Goldolphin rider banned for 18 months

For taking presents for info, the below article says he placed a bet but others say a punter placed the bet for him( common practice in SA for jocks to ask fir presents)

www.racing.com/news/2016-12-22/james-mcd...lified-for-18-months



A $1,000 bet has cost James McDonald the most coveted riding position in Australian racing.

McDonald was sensationally disqualified for 18 months by Racing NSW stewards on Thursday, a decision that forced Godolphin to cut ties with the champion rider.

The 24-year-old New Zealander pleaded guilty to having a $1,000 bet on Astern when the John O'Shea-trained colt made his debut at Randwick on December 5, 2015.

McDonald profited $4,000 from the bet that was placed for him by punter Anthony Gardiner.

Evidence provided at the Racing NSW inquiry detailed that Gardiner, who is yet to co-operate with stewards, profited $125,000 from Astern's dominant display.

Stewards said there was no evidence to suggest McDonald had been party to any other bets.

McDonald replaced Kerrin McEvoy as Godolphin's number one jockey in Australia in March 2015, given his close ties with trainer John O'Shea, but has now been cut loose by the global racing powerhouse.

I read when this originally happened and though wow how stupid was he.

24 years old so hope he is given a second chance.

Had the world at his feet Sly

The Godolphin retainer can't be that bad surely. Chucked it for $4000

Thats what greed does. Very good , jockey is to ride , not to punt.

Zietsman Oosthuizen wrote: Thats what greed does. Very good , jockey is to ride , not to punt.

Some reports say the punter placed a bet on his behalf , similar to our jocks that ride for presents ?

He admitted that he was betting and betting is not allowed by a jockey in australia . Just imagin his retainer from Godolphin but greed took over because for some enough is never enough
Good penalty and a wake up call for others.