NSW jockey outed over modified whip

Country NSW jockey Jamie Quinnell has been disqualified for 18 months for using an illegal whip on a horse in trackwork at Port Macquarie.

Racing NSW stewards acted on a report from trackwork supervisor Greg Wyndham that on January 7 Quinnell had an unapproved Bakos whip in his possession which had been modified by a length of copper electrical wire fixed to the flap.

Quinnell pleaded guilty to the charge, receiving a 25 per cent discount on the mandatory two-year sentence.

Stewards withdrew the horse, the Marc Quinn-trained Far Out, from his scheduled race the same day.

Stewards told Quinn that while there was insufficient evidence presented at Monday’s inquiry to establish a breach of the rules by the trainer, they reserved their position should further evidence come to light.

Quinnell was also penalised on three other charges relating to animal cruelty with those bans to be served concurrently with his 18-month disqualification.