Des Gleeson Quotations

I had a talk to him and his boss (Lee Hope) today when they called in.

I can't elaborate further but there are a couple of things we really need to address.

If a rider appeals against a suspension in, say, a Cox Plate, the right to ride on Derby Day at Flemington a week later and in the Melbourne Cup will be at the discretion of the Appeals Board.

He shifted ground but it was only minimal. It was not enough to warrant a suspension.

His strength is his biggest asset. I still think he uses the whip too much and I've told him that. He's so good hands and heels.

He's over-competitive. He's met the riding skills panel and demonstrated to me at a meeting last week he fully understands where he's gone wrong in the past.

We allow a stay only if riders are declared for a race, and that includes the Melbourne Cup.

The issue of horse welfare is of paramount concern for us. We regard this is as a very serious breach of the rules of racing.

I had several talks with Craig while he was disqualified, and I knew from the determination he showed me he would be giving it his best shot.

If we thought for one minute it was anything more than an error of judgment, rest assured we would have taken action.

He's spent about 100 of the last 300 meetings on the sidelines.

If he comes here with a clearance and there's nothing untoward in our discussions, then he will be able to ride in Melbourne.

He's in the best three jockeys in the world.

You couldn't ask for better at this stage.