Horse racing jockey hit with ban after pulling up as stewards issue statement | Racing | Sport

Jockey Jack Andrews has been suspended for 12 days because he missed a fence while taking the wrong course at Stratford-on-Avon yesterday. Andrews, also known as the world’s tallest jockey at six feet and four inches, was riding Xcitations in a 2m1f handicap chase and was in the lead before making an error when he mistakenly bypassed the water jump at the fifth fence.

It had been agreed beforehand that fence six would be omitted for chase races. But aboard the 11-year-old, trained by Pam Sly, Andrews got mixed up. The jockey pulled up his mount soon after realising his mistake but has been handed a suspension as a result.

The stewards’ inquiry read: “An inquiry was held to consider whether Xcitations, ridden by Jack Andrews, had appeared to take the incorrect course after jumping the first fence in the home straight on the first circuit.

“The rider was interviewed and shown recordings of the incident. Andrews was suspended for 12 days for taking the wrong course as he had failed to jump the water jump and subsequently pulled the gelding up.”

Harel Du Marais, ridden by James Bowen, was the eventual winner by three and a quarter lengths. Bowen told Racing TV: “He switched off well, which he hasn’t done so well previously, and I was able to be a lot more handy on him than usual. I ended up challenging for the lead too soon but once I got by I thought I was always going to stay there.”

Andrews is known as the tallest jockey in the world because he stands over a foot taller than his average counterparts. He has still reached the pinnacle of jump racing, but has to follow a strict diet to maintain his weight.

He said in 2023: “I don’t know of anyone riding under rules who is taller than me. But I’m very self-critical and constantly trying to make myself better, especially with my riding.

“The biggest compliment anyone can give me is that I don’t look big on a horse. But for my diet, I have to have a daily routine to keep my weight down. Gaining weight is an issue but I keep it under control.

“I’ll have a coffee on my way to work then a yogurt, fruit and some granola for breakfast. Lunch is a yogurt bar and a banana, while dinner is some protein like chicken and another yogurt – I eat every meal, just not a lot.

“That being said, when I have a cheat day and go out I eat properly! I don’t pick salads, that’s for sure. I go all out.”