Whip Saga To Hit Miller Hard

Monday, 05 October 2009 08:15

In news certain to shock sections of the Australian racing industry, West Australian apprentice Duncan Miller is at the centre of an inquiry over a tampered padded whip used at last Saturday's meeting at Belmont.

Following the running of the Guinness 250 Anniversary 0 - 74 Handicap (1650m) where Miller rode runner-up from the Adam Durrant stable Le Plunge, stewards took possession of Miller's whip after inspecting all riders whips.

The Virtual Formguide understands stewards took possession of Miller's whip after foreign matter was located inside the padded section of his whip. That object is believed to be lead weights elaborately sown into the padding.

Following the last race at Belmont on Saturday, stewards took evidence from Miller, his mother (trainer Sharon Miller) and trainer Neville Parnham's stable foreman who had won the race in question with Bridgestone.

Stewards have adjourned an inquiry into the matter until 11:30am tomorrow with Miller unable to ride until the end of the inquiry.

After news of Miller's inquiry filtered through to stewards around the country, stewards at Warwick Farm and Morphettville today used a metal detector to check the whips of all riders at the meeting. All whips passed riding regulations.