Smith defends Whyte over G1 ride in Perth

Scales Of Justice’s trainer Lindsey Smith has leapt to the defence of jockey Douglas Whyte over his ride in the Group One Kingston Town Classic.

Whyte has pleaded not guilty to a charge of failing to ride his mount out to the line on runner-up Scales Of Justice in Saturday’s $1 million race at Ascot.

Smith said he believed the horse was beaten fair and square by the Darren Weir-trained Stratum Star who won by a nose.

“I just can’t believe it’s blown out in this way,” Smith told RSN927.

“They’re trying to lynch the bloke.”

The South African-born Whyte, who is a multiple champion jockey in Hong Kong, returned to Perth to ride Scales Of Justice two weeks after scoring a Group One victory on the horse in the Railway Stakes.

“I don’t think the horse could have won whatever,” Smith said.

“I am happy with the way that man rode the horse both times.

“If there was a race tomorrow, Douglas would ride the horse.”

Stewards charged Whyte after the race but adjourned the inquiry so Smith and owner Chris Wells could review the footage.

Smith said Scales Of Justice had pulled up “five out of five” lame after the race.

He said he believed the horse had no more to give and Whyte had given it his last push during the race.

“If he’s misjudged it then that’s for him to answer,” Smith said.

“I think the winner could have hit the line a little bit better to be honest.”