LEADING American jockey Mike Smith was handed a nine-day whip suspension and a huge fine for his ride on runner-up Midnight Bisou in the inaugural Saudi Cup.

The Steve Asmussen-trained mare was beaten three-quarters of a length by fellow US raider Maximum Security in Saturday’s $20 million feature in Riyadh, with Midnight Bisou earning her connections $3.5 million for finishing second.

Smith was proud of Midnight Bisou in defeat, saying in the immediate aftermath: “She ran so well, and I am so proud of her. She ran awesome. I did everything, but we didn’t come first, but she won, do you know what I am saying? Amazing weekend.”

Smith would have been due 10% of the prize money earned. However, the stewards later imposed an eight-day suspension for using his whip above the permitted level and forced him to forfeit 60% of his earnings in the world’s most valuable race, a fine amounting to $210,000.

The Hall of Fame rider was suspended for a further day for using his whip without giving his mount time to respond, having earlier picked up a two-day ban for failing to weigh in after the fifth race.

The 54-year-old had enjoyed much better fortune at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack on Friday when he was crowned champion in the inaugural international jockeys’ challenge, clinching the prize by winning two of the four races on Sun Hat and Paris.

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