Latest news with #DevonPretorius
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Jockey who fled country after ‘practically jumping off' horse hit with massive 18-month ban and fine
A JOCKEY who fled the country after 'practically jumping off' a horse has been hit with a massive 18-month ban and fine. Footage of Brazilian rider Lemos 'Lai Lai' De Souza's spill from favourite Pacific Power gained worldwide notoriety. 4 4 4 4 Pacific Power was favourite for a race at Selangor racecourse in Malaysia but drifted just before the off. De Souza was seen appearing to bounce in the saddle before theatrically falling off the horse seconds after the gates opened. Commentator Devon Pretorius said at the time: "He practically jumped off the horse." Stewards attempted to open an urgent investigation into the incident, which occurred earlier this month. But matters were complicated after it emerged De Souza had fled the country for Singapore so he could receive medical treatment. The jockey was said to have returned a few days later - giving stewards the chance to probe him. And, following the completion of the investigation, they decided to ban De Souza for 18 months and hand him a £7,500 fine. In another blow, the jockey is not allowed to reapply for his licence until a further 12 months after his ban ends. De Souza, who had pleaded not guilty, was deemed to have 'failed to ride his horse to the satisfaction of the stewards'. He could have been disqualified for life but stewards took into account his previous good record. Footage of De Souza's fall was viewed hundreds of thousands of times online. And many agreed with Pretorious' description of the incident. He said: "A look at the replay here… Pacific Power jumps and Lai Lai - I'm not too sure if the saddle slipped. "Then he pretty much knew his fate about ten metres out of the starting stalls and then practically jumped off the horse as he knew he wasn't going to get his foot back in his irons on his right side." This is the second such incident to rock racing in recent months. An investigation is still ongoing into Irish jockey Philip Byrnes' dramatic fall from Redwood Queen at Wexford in May. While fellow jockey Alvinio Roy was in Mauritius last year. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Jockey who ‘jumped straight off horse' flees country after investigation launched into incident
A JOCKEY who allegedly 'jumped straight off a horse' has fled the country after an investigation was launched into the incident. Footage has spread like wildfire of Brazilian rider Lemos De Souza's eyecatching spill from well-backed favourite Pacific Power. 4 4 4 The commentator of the race at Selangor track in Malaysia, Devon Pretorius, didn't mince his words, stating: "He practically jumped off the horse." Punters agreed in the most part - with some comparing his theatrics to that of football superstar Neymar - however others argued the fall looked genuine. Either way, stewards confirmed they had opened an investigation into what happened. But that has been delayed after it emerged De Souza had left the country. According to The Straight, De Souza, who goes by the nickname 'Lai Lai', has fled Malaysia for neighbouring Singapore. Other reports claimed this was due to him needing medical treatment. It means De Souza's planned appearance in front of Selangor Turf Club's integrity division has been put on hold. A side-on view of the fall has also been posted online. The sentiment among many was that they echoed Pretorious' description of what happened. He said: "A look at the replay here… Pacific Power jumps and Lai Lai - I'm not too sure if the saddle slipped. "Then he pretty much knew his fate about ten metres out of the starting stalls and then practically jumped off the horse as he knew he wasn't going to get his foot back in his irons on his right side." While unclear exactly what punishment De Souza would face - or how stewards intend to come to a decision - if found guilty of any wrongdoing he can expect a lengthy ban. This is the second such incident to rock racing in recent months. An investigation is still ongoing into Irish jockey Philip Byrnes' dramatic fall from Redwood Queen at Wexford in May. While fellow jockey Alvinio Roy was banned for five years after this incident in Mauritius last year. . Remember to gamble responsibly
