In a recent incident at Naas, five jockeys faced penalties after they began a race at an uncharacteristically slow pace, barely moving for the first minute. This disregard for typical racing standards prompted an inquiry by race stewards. Each jockey was fined £218 for not maintaining a reasonable speed from the start of the race, which is crucial for both fairness and the integrity of the sport.

The race in question was the Listed Juvenile Hurdle, which included prominent competitors such as Immediate Effect, trained by Gordon Elliott, and Majolique, trained by Willie Mullins. Despite the slow start, Majolique, ridden by Paul Townend, went on to win, while the favorite, Immediate Effect, finished last. The unusual start to the race raised eyebrows and sparked commentary from Jerry Hannon, emphasizing the slow nature of the beginning.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the regulations and competitive spirit in horse racing, emphasizing the need for jockeys to adhere to standards that ensure the excitement and integrity of the sport. The fines serve as a reminder of the authority of racing stewards to enforce rules intended to promote fair competition among riders and their horses.