Double spoiled by careless riding ban
Jockey Julien Kokotajlo’s winning double at Mt Barker Turf Club came at a cost when he was suspended for a fortnight from Sunday’s feature race meeting after his winning ride on It Comes Natural.
Kokotajlo won the Trevor Allison Memorial Handicap (1300m) aboard the Paul Roberts-trained It Comes Natural, but stewards handed the Frenchman a 14-day careless riding ban.
It Comes Natural jumped strongly from barrier three and was sent forward, but crossed Recapitulate when insufficiently clear, causing interference for the Helen Harding runner down the back.
Kokotajlo was able to lead on It Comes Natural and the four-year-old fought on strongly in the home straight to prevail by one length over Niaychi.
Roberts said post-race his gelding was developing well and had a bright future after winning his second race at start no.10.
The double for Roberts was rounded out in the last race when nine-year-old Fulzip made it back-to-back wins at Mt Barker, claiming a thrilling finish to the Skyracing.Tv Provincial Championship Series Heat (1300m).
Kokotajlo booted the Jonathon Jachmann-trained Fulzip to victory last month at the same track and he again urged him to the line, outlasting a rapidly closing Sixpence Spent and Mitchell Pateman to win by a short head.
Kokotajlo’s suspension began at midnight on Sunday.
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