Racing: Vasil fined for comments

SYDNEY - The spat between Jim Cassidy and trainer Tony Vasil continued yesterday, with Vasil fined A$500 for improper conduct towards the expatriate New Zealand jockey.

Vasil was furious with Cassidy's ride on Psychologist in the Magic Night Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on March 27 and approached the jockey when he was leaving the course.

Cassidy and Vasil fronted stewards at the Racing NSW offices at the resumption of the inquiry into the jockey's ride on the filly in the Magic Night, in which Psychologist led by about eight lengths before weakening to finish 10th.

The complaint to stewards by Cassidy regarding Vasil's approach when he was leaving the course was heard behind closed doors at the request of the jockey.

Vasil was then fined A$500 and Cassidy was cautioned for having responded when fronted by the trainer.

Stewards took evidence from betting steward Terry Griffin as well as Vasil and Cassidy in a heated hearing.

Cassidy said his only criticism of himself was that he had begun the race with too long a hold on the reins.

Vasil argued that other than taking a second hold at the 1000m mark, the jockey in his opinion did nothing to try to restrain the filly, who ran her first 600m in 34.75 seconds, 0.75s faster than the average.

"When I realised she was going a bit quick that's when I go for another hold."

He said the filly was half-running on fear with the blinkers being applied for the first time in a race.

"I sat like a mouse, I was talking to her and trying to get her to come back underneath me but it didn't happen."

Vasil later countered: "He's saying that you can see him talking to the horse, who's to say he's not roaring at it?"

Cassidy quickly chimed in: "Don't be a dickhead, Tony.

"You were saying the other day what a good jockey and trainer you are - use a bit of common sense."

Stewards found Psychologist began awkwardly from two and for the first two strides Cassidy pushed the filly along with minimal vigour to assume the lead.

They also found that Cassidy visibly changed hold on the filly at the 1000m mark but she continued to over-race badly.

They were satisfied Cassidy, other than in the first two strides, did nothing to urge the filly forward or cause it to over-race and took the matter no further.

- AAP