Oisin Murphy Wins Appeal on Four-Day Riding Ban

Oisin Murphy expressed relief at overturning a four-day ban for careless riding June 23 and spoke of the responsibility he feels as champion jockey to ride within the rules.

Murphy, who was given the suspension after riding the Ed Walker-trained Bright Eyed Eagle to victory at Goodwood June 14, was successful in his appeal to a British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel.

In the hearing, via a Zoom call, Murphy spoke with great pride about having no penalties for careless riding for 18 months and in 11 different racing jurisdictions. He also described his responsibility, as champion jockey, to make sure that British racing was "a pleasure to watch".

Speaking afterward, the champion jockey said: "I've been all over the world and I always try to ride within the rules, so I'm really pleased the panel came to the conclusion I'd hoped for.

"Sometimes there are incidents that aren't avoidable, jockeys are riding within their powers to do everything possible and there are incidents, such as this case. I'm not a regular visitor to the stewards' room and I want that to stay the case.

"A lot of the best jockeys around the world have a clean record and I admire that. I feel the responsibility as champion jockey, absolutely."

Murphy was given the ban by the Goodwood stewards after riding Bright Eyed Eagle to victory in a 12-furlong handicap. In the final two furlongs his mount drifted to his right and towards the rail, causing interference to runner-up Glenties, ridden by Joe Fanning. 

Represented by Rory Mac Neice, Murphy argued at his appeal that he took appropriate action to avoid the drift, using the whip in his left hand, pulling on the left rein and moving the bit in the horse's mouth. 

He argued it was Bright Eyed Eagle's lead leg change, subsequently causing a shift in the horse's balance, which made his mount drift down the camber despite the jockey's best efforts. He also said Bright Eyed Eagle had not previously been in front in a race and that Goodwood is a difficult track for some horses.

Lyn Williams, representing the BHA, argued Murphy did not do enough to prevent the interference and that he had adequate time, in three strides, to recognize Bright Eyed Eagle was drifting and take action.

The panel, chaired by James O'Mahony, concluded this was an "ugly incident" and it was accepted by all parties that interference was caused.

However, the panel upheld the appeal, having agreed Murphy had done his best and used the whip and reins in an appropriate way.