Jack Hill Suspension

Racing Victoria stewards concluded their inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Safe falling near the 200-metre mark in the Veolia Environmental Services Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday May 7.

Stewards opened an inquiry on the day of the meeting and took evidence from several riders. The

inquiry was adjourned to allow the rider of Safe, apprentice Jake Noonan, to give evidence once fit to

do so.

Noonan and his employer, father Tony Noonan, were subsequently interviewed at the RV Offices on

Thursday, 16 June 2011.

Further evidence was taken today from riders Jake Noonan (Safe), apprentice Jack Hill (Royal Bender),

Peter Mertens (Barbie's Bombshell), Ryan Maloney (No Vanity) and Robert Smerdon, the employer of

Jack Hill.

Hill was found guilty of careless riding in that near the 200-metre mark he failed to make sufficient

effort to straighten his mount, Royal Bender, when shifting in and not sufficiently clear of Safe.

This resulted in Safe being taken in, tightened for room and brushing the hindquarters of Barbie's

Bombshell which then shifted out slightly.

As a result of this tightening Safe clipped the heels of Royal Bender and fell.

Hill had his permit to ride in races suspended for a total of 20 race meetings (five metropolitan and

15 country) commencing at midnight on 29 June 2011 and expiring at midnight on 19 July 2011.