Zahra one of two suspended for whip offences at Flemington

Brad Waters - Thursday Sep 28

Group I-winning rider Mark Zahra was one of two riders suspended for whip breaches at Wednesday's Caulfield meeting.

Mark Zahra will miss six meetings for a whip offence. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Zahra and apprentice Stephanie Thornton received six-meeting bans for over-use of the whip in the Martini-Henry Handicap (1400m).

Zahra pleaded guilty to a charge of using the whip 12 times on the eventual runner-up Mandalay Bay, seven times more than allowed, before the 100m.

Thornton also pleaded guilty to her charge after stewards found she struck Think Alike 11 times before the 100m, which is six times more than allowed.

Zahra's suspension will commence at midnight on Sunday and will run until midnight on October 6.

Thornton will start her penalty at midnight on Saturday and will be able to ride at the conclusion of the day meeting on October 6.

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