[MikeB]

Mike Smith and Irad Ortiz Jr. got big fines and suspensions for violating restrictions on use of the whip. It is not known if US tracks will honor the suspensions then the guys return here.

Journalist Jon Lees reported, per a Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia steward, that Smith received an eight-day ban for striking Midnight Bisou above the permitted 10 times. A ninth day was tacked on for using the stick with no regard for the horse's stride. Earlier in the evening, Smith received two more days on the sidelines for failing to weigh in after an undercard race.

Additionally, Smith forfeited 60% of his earnings. Midnight Bisou's connections split $3.5 million for second, with Smith presumably handing back $210,000 of his $350,000 split, 10% of that original total.

https://www.horseracingnation.com/ne...Cup_rides_123#