Trainer Roy Rogers and apprentice Brandon Louis give evidence at inquiry into racing manner of Mr Causeway

New apprentice jockey Cassey Martinan received her first suspension, while local trainer Roy Rogers and rider Brandon Louis were called to give evidence into an inquiry at the Albany Cup meeting on Sunday. Stewards gave the running of the Albany Cup the all-clear at Percy Spencer Racecourse but young apprentice Martinan was hit with a nine-day ban for careless riding in race three. After riding Betoken, who finished last in the TABtouch Handicap (1100m), Martinan pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding after allowing her mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear and causing interference to three other runners in the race. Stewards said in determining a nine-day suspension they took into account it was Martinan’s first offence under the rule and the fact she’s had more than 50 rides already. It was a sour end to the day for Martinan who booted home $60 outsider Little Punga in race five for Albany trainer Mark Westthorp. After the running of the final race of the day, stewards opened an inquiry relating to the performance of Mr Causeway, which finished 11th of the 12 runners. Rogers and Louis were called to give evidence at the inquiry and stewards then decided to adjourn the matter until a later date. The inquiry is in relation to the riding of Mr Causeway in the early, middle and latter stages of the race and in particular why the horse raced wide throughout. Mr Causeway led the field for a large part of the race and on the vision can be seen racing several metres off the inside running rail as the field approached the home corner.