JYE McNeil’s bid to claim the city and State metropolitan apprentice’s titles has been torpedoed by a suspension.

 

McNeil was suspended for nine meetings by Racing Victoria stewards on a careless riding charge, stemming from his ride on Rain Fast in the All Victorian Sprint Series Final at Flemington.

 

The emerging apprentice, who has ridden 18 more winners this season than last season, pleaded guilty. Stewards gave him a discount for his guilty plea as well as his good record - he had just two previous suspensions in the past 12 months.

 

After his win on Crafty Cruiser in the Banjo Patterson series heat, McNeil moved to 23 metropolitan wins, two behind Harry Coffey and Katelyn Mallyon. The success also saw McNeil move to 61 wins on the State apprentice premiership, equal with Coffey.

 

McNeil misses two city and seven country meetings, a suspension which begins after he rides at Mildura on Monday. He can resume riding on July 10.