Brawling jockey insists: I’ve NOT been sacked!
RUMOURS that jockey Raul Da Silva had lost his job after being banned for 21 days for violent conduct following an incident involving former champion jockey Jim Crowley at Goodwood have been scotched. Despite the ban not yet being activated, Da Silva did not take up his one ride at Windsor on Monday evening. However, the Brazilian said his absence from Windsor had been on the advice of his boss, trainer Paul Cole, and also because he was concerned for his welfare in the weighing room. Da Silva said: ‘I am still riding out for Paul Cole and still working for him.’ The BHA are considering whether to take any further action over the Goodwood incident. Da Silva currently has no future booked mounts. Cole has supplied almost half the 65 rides he has had this season and one of his five winners. Cole’s son and assistant Oliver said: ‘Raul will ride for us again but at the moment he is quite upset and we are just letting the situation settle down.’