Jockey banned for failing to pull up lame horse when the only runner left

Jockey Nathan Moscrop was given a ten-day suspension at Perth on Tuesday evening for failing to pull up his mount who was lame – the only runner left in the race.

The Rebecca Menzies-trained Im Too Generous was the sole finisher from six starters in the 9 Lives Challenge Novices' Handicap Chase at 4.40.

The ten-year-old was left alone after the third from home and was eased down by Moscrop to safely jump the remainder. But, following the last fence, the horse appeared to go lame and Moscrop remained on board to the post.

Watch: a bizarre turn of events at Perth

The BHA stewards' report read: "Nathan Moscrop, the rider of the winner, Im Too Generous, had failed to dismount his horse when it appeared to have gone lame after the final fence.

"The rider, the veterinary officer and veterinary surgeon were interviewed and recordings of the incident were viewed. The veterinary officer stated that the gelding had finished lame left-fore. The rider was suspended for ten days."

Im Too Generous: the only runner to finish the 9 Lives Challenge Novices' Handicap ChaseCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

John Dance, part-owner of Im Too Generous, defended Moscrop, describing the ban as incredibly harsh.

The horse has had injury problems throughout his career, which forced him off the track for four years between 2015 and 2019, and Dance praised Moscrop's efforts in helping Im Too Generous return to his best.

He said: "I think it's incredibly harsh to give him a ten-day ban. He [Moscrop] knows he's got over the last. I was watching from work and haven't seen after the line, but I don't believe Nathan would do anything other than the right thing for the horse – he absolutely adores him."

John Dance: famously owned brilliant mare LaurensCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Dance also confirmed the horse would be retired following Tuesday's victory, with fears about his previous tendon injury flaring up, adding: "Nathan has put so much work into getting that horse right, not just on the track but at home too. I've spoken to him, he's heartbroken he won't get to ride him again. I can't believe that he wouldn't have pulled the horse up sensibly as soon as he'd felt something.

"On his second run after his comeback, Nathan was so sensitive about the horse's wellbeing that he hit a false bit of ground at Wetherby and panicked so pulled him up. He was thinking it could be the horse going wrong and he didn't want to risk it."

Paying tribute to Im Too Generous, Dance added: "He owes us nothing and it's time to do what's right for the horse.

"I've had Group 1 winners all over Europe but when he won his first race over hurdles after his break it was just as special because we love this horse so much. He's got so much desire, he's given us some real highs regardless of what races they've been."

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