THE Emirates Racing Authority (ERA), has suspended Irish jockey Chris Hayes from his license to ride in two race meetings in the UAE following his ride on Forjatt in last week’s Zabeel Mile, in which he Forjatt caused interference to Johann Strauss, as reported elsewhere.

Chris Hayes.

In assessing the penalty under Rule 69 (i), the ERA Stewards deemed the interference to be “mid-range” and took into account Hayes’s guilty plea, upcoming engagements and good careless riding record.

In another incident on the night, and under the provisions of the same rule, though not classified in any range, US jock Victor Espinoza was reprimanded for careless riding on California Chrome. Approaching the winning post for the first time in the Trans Gulf Mechanical Trophy over 2000m, California Chrome shifted out when not clear of Sam Hitchcott’s mount Storm Belt, resulting in that horse having to be steadied.

Espinoza escaped a riding ban, but under Rule 62 (i) received a further reprimand for failing to have his chinstrap properly affixed prior to dismounting.

Victor Espinoza.