Jara on thin ice with Al Maktoum

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by Grits

Yes, I understand. Still, 99% of all owners couldn't ride a hog thru a phone booth, but they love to share with their trainers and jocks their instructions and their comments after the race has been run.

In other words, it ain't their gig.

Yeah it is, Grits. They pay the bills. They OWN the horse. They're allowed to say whatever they want. If the Sheikh didn't like part of the way Jara rode, he is WELL within his rights to say so.

Personally, I thought the comments were a little surprising, but I really don't think much of them more than that Hamdan is a very demanding guy.

If you recall after Jazil won the Belmont last year in the press conference Kiaran McLaughlin was asked about future plans and he said something to the effect of: "we'll see what Hamdan has to say, he pretty much calls the shots." Clearly Sheikh Hamdan is a demanding guy. I'm sure young Fernando does not have his feelings hurt. If so, I bet there are quite a few top notch riders all over the world who are willing to take the mount.

NT

[SniperSB23]

I think that a jockey shouldn't look back until he's clear of the field and wants to make sure he can gear the horse down. Looking back and knowing a horse is coming isn't going to give you any more horse underneath you to hold off the charge. All it can do is cost the horse momentum. So while I disagree with Jara's move I think it was absolutely wrong of Shiekh Hamdan to go public with his displeasure especially since Jara won the race.