TOP jockey Tom Marquand was given a slap on the wrist by Aussie authorities for breaking social distancing rules.
The 21-year-old was fined A$2,000 for celebrating with groom Safid Alam after Addeybb won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Racing New South Wales stewards also fined William Haggas’ stable hand Alam A$500.
They took a dim view of the pair hugging after Addeybb’s impressive victory in the big Group 1 at Randwick.
The pair were charged after the race and pleaded guilty to breaking the rules.
The stewards report read: “Having failed to comply with an order and/or direction of the Stewards in that after dismounting from Addeyyb, jockey Marquand did initiate contact with Mr Alam by contacting his shoulder, which resulted in Alam and Marquand hugging shortly after.”
Following the incident, Racing NSW stewards sought medical advice to see if specific measures would be needed to allow Marquand to continue riding.
The medical team confirmed Alam and Marquand had not displayed Covid-19 symptoms and did not pose an increased risk, with the stewards giving him the green light to return to the saddle.
Racing has continued behind closed doors in Australia during the coronavirus crisis.
Marquand has enjoyed a fine run of form Down Under, winning a pair of Group 1s aboard Addeybb in Sydney.
