Darren McAullay has hit back at criticism directed towards William Pike, defending the jockey after his Group 1 Turnbull Stakes triumph aboard Cosmic Crusader.

McAullay joined Gareth Hall on SENTrack & RSN's Giddy Up following Pike’s victory, taking aim at those who have criticised the veteran rider from the stands.

“Not bad for a FIFO jockey,” McAullay said.

“The riders of the stand have been very quiet since last weekend.

“If anyone is going to criticise Pike, it’s Pike himself. There is no one as dirty on himself when he gets something wrong.

“For those who have never ridden in a race and provide all of this expert commentary from the stands, criticising a rider of his quality is wrong.

“He is such a humble man, especially about his riding career.”

Hall challenged McAullay’s stance, using AFL coach Chris Fagan as an analogy to argue that people do not necessarily need to have played a sport to have an opinion on it.

“Well Chris Fagan never played AFL football, so is he not allowed an opinion on AFL?” Hall said.

McAullay maintained that his issue was not with debate itself, but with publicly targeting riders.

“Yeah, but you don’t go public and start pulling apart someone. I’d never go public like that,” he said.

“Especially considering these guys go to work with an ambulance following them around, I’d never be too critical.”

Hall acknowledged that criticism can form part of sporting discussion, arguing that there is a place for healthy debate.

“I think you can engage in healthy debate, because it’s a sport at the end of the day,” Hall said.

McAullay agreed, but drew the line at criticism he believes is delivered without respect.

“No, I agree, debate is healthy, but when its criticism coming from a low place, I have no time for it,” he said.

While Hall and McAullay agreed that healthy debate has its place in racing, McAullay was adamant that criticism should come with perspective and respect for those who put themselves on the line every time they enter the gates.

For McAullay, Pike’s Turnbull Stakes victory was the perfect response to those who had questioned the veteran rider’s ability.