Allen rubbishes action change in Mackinnon Stakes win

1 year ago

John Allen has fervently denied suggestions that he changed his riding action during last year’s Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes.

The Irish jockey, who has been one of disqualified trainer Darren Weir’s most used riders over the past few years, partnered Trap For Fools to win the Group 1 event at Flemington in November.

Trained by Weir’s Warrnambool assistant Jarrod McLean, Trap For Fools out-stayed Irish visitor Latrobe to score, but there are unfounded suggestions that Allen altered his riding style in order to make contact with the neck of the five-year-old.

Of his Mackinnon ride, Allen told the Herald: "I've heard the rumours, but unfortunately that's just the way I ride. I don't think I changed my style particularly.

"I think they're trying to make a mountain out of a molehill.

"I've got nothing to worry about. They can ask me questions, but I don't believe I've got anything to answer for."

The speculation comes amidst the four-year ban Weir received after electronic devices were found at his Ballarat property. There was also one charge against McLean of possessing a ‘jigger’, but he is adamant he will fight the charge.

Watch the final stages of the race below:

Trap For Fools clings on to win the $2M Seppelt Mackinnon Stakes! As brave a run as you'll see. #StakesDay pic.twitter.com/OcJykfdaKU

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) November 10, 2018

Trap For Fools was not without controversy throughout the Spring Carnival after he was scratched from the Coongy Cup on Caulfield Cup Day, relating to where the horse had been stabled prior to the race.

He then catapulted from a $120,000 handicap in September to a massive triumph in a $2million Group 1 just a month later after being denied entry to the Cox Plate field.

Trap For Fools races today in the Group 3 Carlyon Cup at Caulfield.

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