Perrett defends banned Atzeni

Amanda Perrett has described the decision to ban jockey Andrea Atzeni for eight days due to a breach of rules as “appalling”.

The Italian was the man-of-the-moment for the right reasons last week when he produced a brilliant ride on board Postponed to win the Qipco King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Atzeni was then partnered with Gabster at Glorious Goodwood but the race did not go to plan and right from the early stages there appeared to be problems with the two-year-old chestnut filly.

The jockey eased off from the field and cantered home in the 6f maiden, finishing last of 12 beaten 56 plus lengths, but officials found this to be in breach of Rule (D)45.3 in that he continued on a horse when it was contrary to the filly’s welfare.

Atzeni will now miss 14 consecutive days of racing in August, as his King George-winning ride on Postponed also led to a six-day suspension for misuse of the whip, omitting him from the majority of York‘s Ebor meeting, including the Juddmonte International.

Perrett, who trains Gabster, has leapt to the defence of the jockey and believes the ban is completely unnecessary and has praised his performance in the race.

“I think it’s appalling what they’ve done to the jockey as he was looking after the filly’s best interests,” he said. “She couldn’t continue in the race and thanks to him looking after her she wasn’t too bad this morning.

“He didn’t compromise her safety in any way and deserves a pat on the back, not an eight-day suspension.”