Mixed day for leading jockey Pateman

Leading Albany jockey Mitchell Pateman has copped a second suspension in the space of a week, ruling him out of two feature meetings in Albany and Pinjarra.

Pateman rode a winning double in Mt Barker on Mungrup Stud Sprint day but his joy was short-lived when stewards gave him a 13-day careless riding suspension aboard Count Kala in race 5.

At last week’s Albany meeting Pateman received a 10-day careless riding ban, which he began at midnight on Sunday after being granted permission to ride in Sunday’s feature at the Mt Barker Turf Club.

However, he will now serve 23 days concurrently after his latest indiscretion, with the length of that ban ruling him out of Magic Millions race day in Pinjarra on Saturday, February 10 and the Ladies’ Day in Albany on Sunday, February 11. Pateman was set to ride smart youngster Tango Ora for Albany trainer Roy Rogers in the $150,000 listed Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy in Pinjarra.

He was also likely to pick up the plum ride on Mark Nelson’s Secret Minx in the $100,000 Fitzpatrick Plate the following day, with the $35,000 fillies and mares Bracelet feature race also run at that meeting. Pateman’s suspension will expire at midnight on February 13.

He was charged with careless riding after shifting outwards on Count Kala, straightening when not sufficiently clear of Nazareth.

As a result, Count Kala bumped Nazareth on several occasions, causing interference.

The Daniel and Ben Pearce-trained Nazareth, ridden by William Pike, lodged a protest against Count Kala for the alleged interference at the top of the home straight but that was dismissed.

Pateman earlier saluted twice aboard Peter and Matt Giadresco runners — firstly on Mighty Chance and then on Prentice.

Carrying 59kg, Prentice made it back-to-back wins after sitting back in the field before charging home in the straight to down Sassenach by a long neck in the Plantagenet Wines Handicap (1850m).

Mighty Chance broke his maiden status at start No.13, with Pateman making great use of barrier one to settle midfield before recording a 2¾-length win.