Trainer, jockey charges activated

Mon, July 05 2010

THOROUGHBRED Racing NT stewards yesterday charged trainer Michael Hickmott and jockey Carl Spry following an inquiry into Activation from last week's ROANT Cup First Leg.

Hickmott (pictured) has been charged under rule AR135a with failing to advise stewards of riding instructions he issued to Spry which resulted in the jockey riding the 2009 Darwin Cup winner back in the field.

Stewards opined those instructions are different to the manner Activation had been ridden in his previous Top End starts.

When quizzed by the Northern Territory News last night on that direct point, a measured Hickmott responded.

"I find it difficult to see a clear comparison of his racing pattern in Darwin due to the fact his previous and only three runs here have been over 1600m, 1600m and 2000m," Hickmott said.

"I strongly maintain my innocence regarding these allegations obtaining to rule AR135a."

Spry was charged under rule AR135(b) that from the 350m to 150m mark, he failed to ride his mount with sufficient endeavour and vigour, with Hickmott firmly supporting his rider.

"Carl has my full support, as far as I'm concerned he did nothing wrong," Hickmott said.

Activation's owner and former trainer Dale Sutton added his support to the Hickmott camp last night.

"The horse does not have a fantastic first-up record, his pattern suggests that he does get back in the majority of his first-up performances. It was always my intention that the horse be ridden this way whilst in my care," Sutton said in a statement.

Carrying 63kg in his first appearance since winning the Territory's most prestigious race last August, Activation finished sixth, some five lengths from the winner Palmyra Boy.

On raw statistics, you would be entitled to think it was an improved performance considering Activation's previous fresh runs.

According to AAP Racing statistics on Activation's first-up performances (from most recent) he has fared.

of 16, beaten 15 lengths - 1300m Gold Coast Prime Minister's Cup - settled 14th and in the run was 14th (800m) and 14th (400m).

11 of 14, beaten 5.8 lengths - 1400m Caulfield Open Handicap - settled 10th and in the run was 13th (800m) and 13th (400m).

12 of 13, beaten 22.8 lengths - 1400m Caulfield Memsie Stakes - settled eighth and in the run was eighth (800m) and ninth (400m).

10 of 11, beaten 10.5 lengths - 1400m Caulfield Anniversary Vase - settled ninth and in the run was ninth (800m) and 10th (400m).

8 of 13, beaten 2.8 lengths - 1400m Caulfield Liston Stakes - settled 11th and in the run was 11th (800m) and 12th (400m).

And in further news, Activation won't be running in next weekend's Chief Minister's Cup (1600m) after discussions last night between connections and trainer.

Stewards are expected to reconvene on Wednesday night to consider the charges.

Story Courtesy Gregor Mactaggart - NT News