THREE rides, three jurisdictions: Oisin Murphy’s ride on Spirit Of Valor in the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley two Fridays ago, Jack Kennedy’s ride on Sir Ector in the Allianz Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal last Friday, and Christophe Soumillon’s ride on Thunder Snow in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs on Saturday night.

One rider was banned for 10 days, one for 15 meetings, and one was not banned at all. Just shows you, the goal of the harmonisation of racing rules across international frontiers is a long way away.