Racing: Ban for Cropp upheld

Leading jockey Lisa Cropp strongly maintained her innocence after being given a six-raceday suspension yesterday.

Cropp had an appeal upheld against her over her ride on Frontier Lad at Riccarton on November 26.

The Cambridge jockey was charged with not riding fourth-placed Frontier Lad right to the finish, but the JCA members on the day dismissed the charge.

Stipendiary steward Stephen Ching appealed that decision and at yesterday's hearing it was upheld.

Frontier Lad missed holding third by half a head from the fast-finishing The Medicine Man.

Cropp said she will always maintain her innocence.

"The worst part of it is the quality of the video evidence - the camera was situated well past the winning post and it was impossible to tell where the horses were in relation to the winning post, which is what the JCA said on the day.

"They're estimating only two strides - how can you gauge that."

Cropp will not ride again until Boxing Day at Ellerslie.

She said she would not take the matter further.

"I know I'm not guilty - I've never dropped my hands in my life. I'm a competitor."

Cropp has been one of New Zealand's busiest jockeys this season as she chases the jockeys' premiership.

"At least now I'll be able to do my Christmas shopping."