Racing row explodes as jockey who was threatened with violence is sacked for one with a broken foot
A HUGE racing row has erupted after a jockey who left a trainer ‘devastated’ with an awful ride has been sacked for one with a broken foot.
Punters have reacted with fury after news emerged top Australian rider Craig Williams had lost the ride on Giga Kick.
The amazing four-year-old colt is on track to become the highest-earning racehorse ever.
But after a horror run in a warm-up race, Giga Kick’s owner’s racing manager threatened to ‘strangle’ Williams.
Billionaire owner Jonathan Munz’s right-hand man Rod Douglas unloaded on veteran Williams, saying: “I’d have strangled him with my bare hands.
“I’d have strangled him in the mounting yard. There’s no excuse for what he did.
“It wasn’t all about winning that race, he knows where we’re at with the horse.
“It just doesn’t make any sense to what he did. Inexcusable.”
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Rumours swirled Williams – who was said to have left Giga Kick’s trainer ‘devastated’ – was about to get the sack and it was confirmed on Friday ahead of Giga Kick’s run in The Everest.
Racenet confirmed Royal Ascot winner James McDonald, who is currently recovering from a broken foot, will now take charge.
The winning jockey of The Everest, for which Giga Kick is 7-2 favourite, can expect a payday of around £180,000 on October 15.
Douglas is at the centre of an investigation following his menacing comments.
But punters were more concerned with the stab in the back they felt Williams had suffered in being kicked off the ride.
One said: “Everything about this reaction is what I dislike about elites of horse racing. I hope the horse gets beat.”
Another wrote on Twitter: “Absolute joke!”
One comment read: “Shameful decision.”
A fellow punter said they ‘hope the horse never wins another race’ while another reacting to the news commented: “Twitter needs a ‘hate’ button.”
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